Saturday, October 25, 2008

2nd Day of the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM7)

Prime Minister Taro Aso attended the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM7) continuing from the previous day during his stay in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China.

In the morning, Prime Minister Aso took part in discussions with the leaders of other participant countries at a summit meeting on the theme of global issues, held at the Great Hall of the People. Discussing food issues and countermeasures against climate change, the leaders called for the need to take both short-term and mid-to-long-term approaches.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Aso held talks with Mr. Makhdoom Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Following the meeting, Prime Minister Aso attended a summit meeting on the theme of sustainable development. The leaders discussed climate change, energy security, and development, and agreed on the need to promote discussions, in the run up to the next COP (Conference of the Parties to the Convention) meeting, on the next framework for tackling climate change. Prime Minister Aso proposed the creation of a framework in which all the major emitters can participate. He further appealed for the reduction targets to be based on the tallied-up sectoral approach, asking developing countries to cooperate with it.

At the working lunch that followed, the leaders exchanged opinions on a wide range of international and regional situations, including regional cooperation between Asia and Europe; the situation on the Korean Peninsula; the situation in Afghanistan; the Iran nuclear issue; and the situation in Myanmar. On this occasion, Prime Minister Aso referred to North Korean issues and called for cooperation toward the early resolution of the nuclear and abduction issues. His appeal gained the understanding of other participant countries. Moreover, Prime Minister Aso expressed Japan's intention to continue actively participating in the fight against terrorism and to continue reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Aso held talks with Mr. Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic.

Following the talks, Prime Minister Aso attended a summit meeting on the theme of dialogue among civilizations. There, many countries stressed the need to respect other cultures, traditions, and religions and to enhance understanding of one another. Furthermore, the leaders acknowledged the notable roles played by dialogue and cultural exchanges among different civilizations, to help the world avoid collisions and confrontations among states that arise as byproducts of the advancement of globalization. On this, the leaders agreed on the importance of ASEM partners taking concerted action.

In these ways, ASEM7 completed its two-day agenda, released its outcome documents such as the Chair's Statement, and ended proceedings.

Before the closing ceremony, Prime Minister Aso held talks with Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic.

After the end of ASEM7, Prime Minister Aso held a press conference at a hotel in Beijing to summarize his visit to China.

During the Press Conference, Prime Minister Aso said, "The key themes of ASEM7 have been international finance and the financial settlement system. We were able to hold in-depth talks on how these can influence the real economies of Asia and Europe. I have won agreement on my appeal for regional cooperation in Asia." Prime Minister Aso stressed the many discussions held at the meeting on the recent international financial situation, going on to say, "As for the regional situations, I stressed the importance of resolving the North Korean nuclear and abduction issues and gained the understanding of other countries. I also expressed Japan's intention to continue actively participating in the fight against terrorism and to continue reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan." Furthermore, in relation to his first visit to China in the capacity of Prime Minister of Japan, he referred to Japan-China relations, saying "I have held talks with both President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, respectively, and confirmed that Japan and China will promote the mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests."

Related Link

• Press Conference by Prime Minister Taro Aso Following His Visit to the People's Republic of China (October 25, 2008)
• 1st Day of the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM7) (October 24, 2008) -What's Up Around the Prime Minister-
• ASEM7 Summit (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)