Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� February, 2004

Japan-Timor-Leste Summit Meeting Monday, February 23, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held talks with Mr. Xanana Gusmao, the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, President Gusmao expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance, such as the United Nations peace-keeping operations (PKO) by Japan's Self Defense Forces (SDF), and requested extension of their participation in the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET), stating the prevailing threat to public security. In response, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "I am glad to hear Japan's assistance is highly evaluated: The members of the SDF in Timor-Leste are performing their duties with enthusiasm," and expressed his intention to provide grant aid of 500 million yen to Timor-Leste.