Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stressed the importance of solidarity and tolerance in his speech to the UN General Assembly at a time when the world is facing Russia's war in Ukraine and Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, Kyodo news agency reported, BTA reports.
In his first and last speech to the General Assembly since he recently resigned, Ishiba called for reform of the UN Security Council and said that Russia, despite its responsibility as a permanent member, had violated international order with its invasion of Ukraine.
He demanded an immediate end to Israeli military action that is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and warned that any undermining of "The two-state solution" for Israel and Palestine could lead to retaliatory measures from Japan.
"The free and open international order based on the rule of law is facing unprecedented challenges," Ishiba said. He said only democracy without discrimination, exclusion, totalitarianism or populism can strengthen that order and contribute to world peace and security.
Ishiba pointed to Japan's efforts since World War II to promote peace, based on the "spirit of tolerance" of the peoples of Asia who suffered under Japanese colonialism and militarism. He added that in talks with leaders from China, South Korea and Southeast Asia, he had realized the need to build future-oriented relations.
Shigeru Ishiba became prime minister in October last year, but resigned as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party earlier this month after the ruling coalition lost an election in the upper house. The party's new leader will be elected on October 4.