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First Day of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting Saturday, September 8, 2007 JAPANESE

[Pool photo]

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Prime Minister Shinzo Abe left Haneda Airport on the morning of September 7 to attend the 15th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting to be convened from the following day of September 8, and arrived at Sydney, the Commonwealth of Australia, on the evening of the same day. On September 8, prior to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Prime Minister Abe had a breakfast meeting with Mr. George W. Bush, the President of the United States (US), and Mr. John Howard, the Prime Minister of Australia. This was the first time that the leaders of the three nations of Japan, the US and Australia had gathered together to exchange their opinions. The three leaders agreed to further strengthen the trilateral cooperation that they had advanced thus far and shared the view that the countries with common aspirations, including Japan, the US and Australia, should work together to lead discussions for strengthening and utilizing APEC. President Bush and Prime Minister Howard both expressed their appreciation for Japan's efforts in the fight against terrorism. In response, Prime Minister Abe said that the Japanese government will make its best effort for the continuation of Japan's activities. Afterwards, Prime Minister Abe held a meeting with President Bush. The two leaders confirmed their cooperation on the building of a new framework, in which major emitters will participate for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as well as cooperation on the denuclearization of North Korea. Prime Minister Abe then attended a meeting with the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and joined the commemorative photograph session with the APEC leaders from 21 countries and regions. The photograph session was followed by the summit meeting, which marked the opening of the two-day APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Abe held a meeting with Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, the President of the Russian Federation. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed the Northern Territories issue, among others. Prime Minister Abe said, "Conclusion of a peace treaty is essential for elevating our bilateral relations to a new level," to which President Putin responded, "It is my interest to seek a resolution acceptable to both countries, toward which I intend to continue working." The leaders thereby agreed to call for further efforts in their respective countries toward achieving concrete progress. Afterwards, Prime Minister and Mrs. Abe attended a dinner together with the APEC leaders and their spouses. Related links: Second Day of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting