TOKYO, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- The Japanese Foreign Minister met with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan in Tokyo Sunday, calling for an active United Nations role in Iraq's reconstruction.
Japan recently sent troops to Iraq as part of a U.S.-led effort to provide security for the war-ravaged country.
Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi called for active engagement on the part of the United Nations in Iraq, the Kyodo news service reported.
Kawaguchi told reporters after meeting with Annan that she stressed the importance of the U.N.'s engagement while explaining Japan's financial assistance for the rehabilitation of Iraq.
Annan arrived Saturday for a five-day trip to Japan.
Japan has encouraged the U.N. to play an active role in the process of handing over power to the Iraqi people.
Annan called for international unity in helping to shape Iraq's reconstruction.
"Let me stress that international cooperation will be essential as we move ahead and help the Iraqi people regain sovereignty and build a peaceful, democratic and stable Iraq," Annan said.
