Mr. President,

I am honored to address this debate on behalf of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Like many other Member States that have spoken before me today, the Marshall Islands sees an urgent need for the reform of the working methods and membership of the Security Council.

In order for the decisions of the Council to garner the respect and support of the international community, the working methods of the Council must become more transparent and inclusive, and the membership must be made more representative.

The Marshall Islands reiterates its support for the expansion of the Security Council in both categories of membership. We support the allocation of a new permanent seat to Japan, and we also believe that priority must be given to increasing the representation of developing countries on the Council.

These reforms are crucial if the Council is to retain its legitimacy in light of the political, economic and geographic realities of the world today.

Mr. President,

My delegation looks forward to the discussions that will take place in the context of the Open-ended Working Group later this session. We hope that substantial progress will be made and that the Working Group will agree on recommendations that will push the reform process forward in a meaningful way.

Thank you.