TOKYO — Prime Minister Shinzo Abe explained his decision to resign over health issues to U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres in a phone call on Thursday, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

During the 20-minute call, Abe underscored the importance of Japan working with international organizations in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and thanked Guterres for his cooperation, the ministry said.

Guterres expressed appreciation for Abe’s global leadership and asked for Japan to continue playing a leading role in the coronavirus response, the ministry said.

Abe abruptly announced last week he is stepping down to receive treatment for a chronic bowel illness, ulcerative colitis, days after setting a new record for most consecutive days in office.