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Japan-US and Japan-France Summit Meetings
First Day of the G8 Summit
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Click photographs to enlarge
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Prime Minister Shinzo Abe left Berlin for Heiligendamm, the venue for the 33rd G8 Summit. After his arrival at Heiligendamm, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Mr. George W. Bush, the President of the United States of America.
At this meeting, which followed a first meeting held during the Prime Minister's visit to the United States (US) in April this year, Prime Minister Abe explained Japan's new proposal for tacking the global warming issue, entitled "Cool Earth 50." The two leaders agreed that both countries would exert their leadership to improve the environment by developing various technologies. They also agreed to cooperate toward building an effective new framework. Furthermore, President Bush expressed his view on North Korea issues, saying, "There is a common message here, and that is that we expect the North Koreans to honor their agreements." The two leaders agreed to send out a strong message at the G8 Summit. Prime Minister Abe then held a meeting with Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, who assumed the office of the President of the French Republic in May. At the meeting, Prime Minister Abe said, "Taking the year 2008, the 150th anniversary of active exchanges between Japan and France, as an opportunity, I would like to further enhance our friendly and cooperative relations," to which President Sarkozy expressed his agreement. The two leaders also discussed issues such as the North Korean nuclear and abduction issues and the United Nations Security Council reform. President Sarkozy said, "I highly evaluate Prime Minister's proposal for addressing climate change issues." In response, Prime Minister Abe said, "Japan is ready to cooperate with France to bring about an effective future international framework that the major emitters participate in." In the evening, Prime Minister Abe attended an informal dinner hosted by Dr. Angela Merkel, the Federal Chancellor of Germany and Dr. Joachim Sauer, Chancellor Merkel's husband, together with the G8 leaders, which served as the opening of the G8 Summit.
Related links: 16th Japan-EU Summit Second Day of the G8 Summit / Japan-Russia Summit Meeting Third Day of the G8 Summit / Japan-China Summit Meeting Press Conference by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Following his visit to Germany for the G8 Summit Meeting in Heiligendamm
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