Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Japan-Ukraine Summit Meeting

Prime Minister Taro Aso held talks with Her Excellency Mrs. Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine, at the Prime Minister's Office. At a dinner after the joint press announcement, the leaders exchanged views on Japan-Ukraine bilateral relations and international situations.

At the beginning, Prime Minister Aso spoke about bilateral relations. He welcomed the progress of dialogue and cooperation between Japan and Ukraine, made under the concept of Arc of Freedom and Prosperity, and conveyed to Prime Minister Tymoshenko the policy of Japan to continue assisting Ukraine's democratization efforts and its transition to a market economy. In response, Prime Minister Tymoshenko expressed her gratitude for the invitation to visit Japan and the opportunity to hold the summit meeting. She evaluated highly the concept of Arc of Freedom and Prosperity proposed by Prime Minister Aso, and indicated her appreciation of the continual assistance that Japan has given to Ukraine through such means as Official Development Assistance (ODA), and the close relations between the two countries.

Both leaders confirmed their intention to further develop bilateral economic relations. In regard to the response to the current economic and financial crisis, they agreed on the importance of fighting protectionism in order to recover the world economy.

On the themes of international situations and cooperation in the international arena, the leaders agreed to cooperate for the early realization of the United Nations Security Council reform, including the expansion of permanent and non-permanent memberships in the Security Council.

In the run up to the G20 Summit to be held in London the following week, the leaders exchanged views on regional and international situations of mutual interest, including the current world economic situation and situations in Asia and Europe.

Related Link

• JAPAN-UKRAINE JOINT STATEMENT (March 25, 2009) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
• Japan-Ukraine Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)