Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a meeting with H.E. Mrs. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, on November 6 for approximately 30 minutes from around 5:05 p.m. (local time) during his visit to Laos to attend the Ninth Summit of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Bilateral relations
   
   (1) Prime Minister Noda welcomed progress in bilateral cooperation for the reconstruction of areas stricken by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 in the field of renewable energy, in which Denmark excels. He expressed hope to continue bilateral cooperation and the exchange of views on the international situation at various levels.
   
   (2) Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt stated that Denmark placed importance on Asia, especially on its relations with Japan, describing it as a traditionally strong partner for her country. She also said there was room for cooperation with Japan in the fields of clean technology and welfare-related technology.
   
   
2. Cooperation on the international stage
   
   (1) Anti-piracy measures
   Mentioning Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt's reference to anti-piracy measures in her speech earlier in the day, Prime Minister Noda said both Japan and Denmark had been taking measures against piracy off Somalia, adding that he hoped to strengthen cooperation between the two countries to eradicate it. The two leaders shared perception in this regard.
   
   (2) Japan-EU EPA
   Prime Minister Noda stated that the economic partnership agreement (EPA) between Japan and the European Union (EU) was a top priority contributing to the economic growth of both Japan and the EU, and that support from Denmark was important. Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt responded that Denmark had consistently supported the Japan-EU EPA and that Denmark worked for the purpose during its presidency of the Council of the European Union. The two leaders also exchanged views on the European debt crisis.
   
   (3) Arctic Council
   Prime Minister Noda requested Denmark's support for Japan's application for the observer status in the Arctic Council. Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt responded that she supported Japan's participation and expressed hope that Japan would participate as an observer in the course of next year.
   
   
3. Regional situation
   
   Prime Minister Noda explained Japan's position concerning relations with China, saying the relationship between the two countries was one of the most important bilateral relationships for Japan, that in the present situation involving the two countries, Japan had consistently acted calmly from the beginning and that, as a responsible nation in the Asia-Pacific region, it would continue contributing to regional peace and prosperity.