United Nations Radio

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised Japan for its contribution to the United Nations and said Japan's global role is appreciated at the UN and world-wide.

He made the remarks after meeting Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Monday in Tokyo from where Hak-Fan Lau sent this report:

"Mr. Ban said he discussed with Mr. Fukuda major challenges the world faces, and the ways to address them through the UN. He welcomed Japan's announcement on sending peacekeepers to Sudan and funding peacekeeping training. They discussed the upcoming Group of Eight summit which Mr. Fukuda will chair and Mr. Ban will attend.

'It will be a major milestone in our common effort to mobilize international action on such challenges as climate change, the food crisis and the Millennium Development Goals.'

The two leaders also discussed Africa, the Korean Peninsula, and Security Council reform. Earlier, Mr. Ban met the Emperor, the Crown Prince, senior ministers and politicians. He will travel to China on Tuesday.

Hak-Fan Lau, UN Radio, Tokyo."

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