India, Japan shares commitment for early realisation of UNSC reforms

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe discussed international and regional issues of mutual importance, including United Nation`s security reforms.

The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their intention to work together for the early realisation of U.N. reforms, particularly the Security Council reform, to better reflect the realities of the international communication the 21st century.

They welcomed the recent developments in the inter-Governmental Negotiation (IGN) process, towards the launch of text-based negotiations, and reaffirmed their determination to redouble their efforts towards achieving concrete outcomes during the 70th session of the U.N. General Assembly.

The two Prime Ministers reiterated their support for each other`s candidature, based on the firmly shared recognition that India and Japan are legitimate candidates for permanent membership in an expanded Security Council.

The two Prime Ministers underlined their determination to expand cooperation with other partners, to enhance connectivity in the Indo-Pacific region.

"India and Japan will work to strengthen regional economic and security forums and coordinate their actions to tackle global challenges including the reform of the United Nations, climate change as well as terrorism," the joint statement said.

The two Prime Ministers expressed concern over North Korea`s continued development of its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, including its uranium enrichment activities.

They urged North Korea to fully comply with its international obligations, including under relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and to take actions towards the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

They also urged North Korea to address at the earliest the abductions issue.