Wednesday, April 1, 2009

The Prime Minister Visits the United Kingdom

On March 31 (local time), Prime Minister Taro Aso arrived in London, the United Kingdom, to attend the 2nd Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy (London Summit). On the following day, April 1 (local time), Prime Minister Aso held separate talks with world leaders who were also to attend the London Summit, and exchanged views on a wide range of topics.

First, Prime Minister Aso held talks with Mr. Lee Myung-bak, President of the Republic of Korea (ROK). At the meeting, the two leaders discussed economic relations and the issue of North Korea. On the economic front, Prime Minister Aso stressed that it was important, based on Japan's experiences in 1990s, to mobilize fiscal spending in overcoming the crisis, and stated that Japan was considering new measures to boost the economy. In response, President Lee stated that Japan had been through unique experiences, that it was significant to mobilize fiscal spending, and that he supported Japan's approach. On the issue of North Korea, Prime Minister Aso said that a launch of a missile by North Korea would be a clear violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions, and that the Government of Japan would discuss the matter thoroughly at the United Nations Security Council. To this, President Lee expressed his complete agreement, as well as his intention to cooperate with Japan and the United States in making responses, including a response at the United Nations Security Council, should North Korea launch the missile. On the abduction issue, Prime Minister Aso reiterated his gratitude for the ROK's cooperation for realizing the meeting between Ms. Kim Hyon-hui and the Iizuka family that was held last month.

Prime Minister Aso then held talks with Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed finance and the world economy. Prime Minister Aso stated that Japan intended to announce at the London Summit the provision of a total amount of 22 billion dollars in additional trade financing assistance and a maximum of 2 trillion yen (20 billion dollars) of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Asian countries, and that Japan would continue supporting Indonesia's efforts to strengthen growth potential. In response, President Yudhoyono stated that he hoped for Japan's cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, energy, and infrastructure development to expand further. The two leaders also exchanged views on the issue of North Korea and the upcoming Pakistan Donors Conference.

Then, Prime Minister Aso held talks with Mr. Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic. At the meeting, the two leaders agreed that outcomes of the London Summit should lead to firm actions, so as to never repeat the confusion currently witnessed in financial markets around the world. They each explained economic countermeasures and other responses taken in their respective countries, and exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as on the issue of North Korea.

Following this, Prime Minister Aso held talks with Mr. Gordon Brown, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. At the meeting, Prime Minister Brown expressed his intention to cooperate closely with Japan, stating the need for the Chair of the London Summit to issue a forward-looking message toward the recovery of the world economy. In response, Prime Minister Aso stated that it was important to signal a common message that countries would work together to tackle each of the challenges of stimulating demands and reforming financial regulations, adding that Japan, too, was advancing promptly considerations of new economic countermeasures. The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely for the success of the London Summit. They also exchanged views on the issue of North Korea and the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

In the evening, Prime Minister Aso attended the banquet hosted by Prime Minister Brown, and exchanged views on the current economic crisis with world leaders.

Related Link

• Japan-Republic of Korea Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Indonesia Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Italy Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-U.K. Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)