Sunday, November 23, 2008

JAPANESE

2nd Day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting

Photograph of Prime Minister Aso shaking hands with President Calderon

Photograph of Prime Minister Aso shaking hands with President Calderon

On November 23 (local time), Prime Minister Taro Aso, who is visiting the Republic of Peru to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting, held talks with Mr. Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, President of the United Mexican States.

At the meeting, the leaders discussed the Japan-Mexico bilateral relationship. Prime Minister Aso stated that Japan intends to continue efforts to strengthen the strategic partnership through high-level dialogues, the importance of which was recognized by President Calderon. Both leaders agreed on the importance of the APEC members ensuring the implementation of the concrete actions agreed upon at the Summit held in Washington, DC, earlier in the month.

After the meeting, the Leaders' Retreat II of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting took place, and Prime Minister Aso took part in discussions with world leaders on promoting the integration of the regional economy, corporate social responsibility, the climate change issue, and human security. On the climate change issue, Prime Minister Aso highlighted the importance of countries around the world, including the APEC economies, sharing the goal of reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by at least half by 2050, as was set out at the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit. On human security, Prime Minister Aso stressed the importance of advancing efforts such as anti-terrorism and non-proliferation measures, anti-piracy measures, infection countermeasures, and disaster preparedness. Following the Leaders' Retreat II, the leaders attended the commemorative photo session and announced a summit declaration. With this, the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting drew to a close.

Afterwards, Prime Minister Aso held a press conference. Reflecting on the discussions at the Economic Leaders' Meeting, the Prime Minister said, "I explained to the leaders the necessity of countries developing macro-economic policies and enhancing financial cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region, in preparation for recession and the economic recovery that is expected to follow the financial crisis." The Prime Minister also said, "For its part, Japan must fulfill its responsibility to the international community, by thoroughly implementing its initiatives and ensuring that its economy is put back on the growth track."

Related Link

Photograph of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (Pool photo)

Photograph of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (Pool photo)

Photograph of the leaders attending the commemorative photo session (Pool photo)

Photograph of the leaders attending the commemorative photo session (Pool photo)

Photograph of the announcement of the summit declaration

Photograph of the announcement of the summit declaration

Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference

Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference

Related photos

Click photographs to enlarge

  • Photograph of Prime Minister Aso shaking hands with President Calderon
  • Photograph of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (Pool photo)
  • Photograph of the leaders attending the commemorative photo session (Pool photo)
  • Photograph of the announcement of the summit declaration
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister holding a press conference