"A week of diplomacy. This is Yasuo Fukuda."
-- Message from the Prime Minister (Provisional Translation)

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A week of diplomacy. This is Yasuo Fukuda.

Right now I am in Singapore to attend the East Asia Summit, and plan to be back in Japan by the time this e-mail magazine reaches you. This has been a week of diplomacy in which I went from Washington, D.C., where one can feel the onset of winter, to Singapore, a land of eternal summer lying just north of the equator.

In the United States (U.S.), the first country that I visited since assuming the office of Prime Minister, I sat down with President George W. Bush and had a frank exchange of opinions on various issues. During our meeting, we reaffirmed the importance of the alliance between Japan and the U.S.

The Japan-U.S. alliance is not merely of bilateral benefit. In fact, it plays a crucial role in ensuring the prosperity and stability of Asia, and in tackling a variety of global issues, including the fight against terrorism, and global warming.

The strong Japan-U.S. relationship we enjoy now is built upon the tremendous work and efforts of so many who came before us. Going forward, we must deepen ties between our peoples to further strengthen our relationship through activities such as intellectual exchanges in academia, and grass-roots exchanges in a wide range of fields, including culture and sports.

At this third East Asia Summit, I had very fruitful discussions with other Asian leaders on a number of subjects, including peace and stability in Asia and, above all, environmental and energy issues.

Approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions originate from the East Asian region. For the East Asian nations, which are undergoing rapid economic development, the adoption of clean energy and the promotion of energy conservation measures are more than solutions to environmental problems, they are essential matters that must be addressed as we progress toward sustainable societies.

Japan's environmental and energy technologies are world-leading, and I am determined to work hand-in-hand with Asian nations so that we can achieve both environmental protection and economic development in our respective countries. I am certain that these advanced technologies and accumulated experiences can be fully utilized by other Asian nations as they pursue their development.

Here in Singapore, I was also able to hold bilateral talks with the leaders of Asian countries, including Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.

Japan and China are not merely neighbors; our two nations share a great responsibility for the stability and development of Asia, as well as the entire international community. Premier Wen and I agreed that we would expand our exchange activities in various ways to further enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation between Japan and China. We also agreed to work together to increase the stability and foster the development of the Asian region, and to address global issues.

Throughout the past seven days, which flew by, I channeled all my energies into diplomacy. The biggest gains reaped were the relationships of mutual trust that I was able to establish through candid discussions with world leaders.

At the beginning of last week I caught a head cold, and many readers kindly sent me get-well messages. I have now returned to full health, and I would like to extend my appreciation to those readers who expressed their heartfelt wishes.

Now, deliberations in the Diet and work for budgetary formulation will shift into full swing. I am resolved to commit all my strength to the tasks at hand.

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