Wednesday, July 8, 2009

JAPANESE

1st Day of the G8 L'Aquila Summit

Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting a site in L'Aquila, which suffered an earthquake (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting a site in L'Aquila, which suffered an earthquake (1)

On July 8 (local time), Prime Minister Aso moved from Rome to L'Aquila. Before arriving at the venue of the G8 Summit, the Prime Minister visited a site in L'Aquila, which suffered an earthquake in April this year. After the visit, Prime Minister Aso arrived at the Guardia di Finanza Inspectors' School, the venue of the G8 Summit. Immediately upon arrival, the Prime Minister attended a G8 working lunch.

In the discussion on economic issues during the working lunch, Prime Minister Aso introduced the initiatives of Japan, which have been taken through a series of economic countermeasures, and expressed the intention to advance efforts to restore fiscal health going forward. In the discussion on global warming, the Prime Minister stated, "We need to establish a framework in which major emitters will fulfill their responsibilities." The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of participation by China and other countries in the framework.

During the working dinner in the evening, world leaders mainly discussed political issues. Prime Minister Aso stated that a firm response must be taken to nuclear tests and missile launches by North Korea. A declaration by the Heads of State and Government of the G8 countries also condemned North Korea "in the strongest terms," and urged the country "to take prompt actions to address the concerns of the international community" on the abduction issue.

Prime Minister Aso also held talks with Mr. Barack Obama, President of the United States, during the working dinner, and discussed matters such as the North Korean issue and climate change.

Related Link

Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting a site in L'Aquila, which suffered an earthquake (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting a site in L'Aquila, which suffered an earthquake (2)

Photograph of Prime Minister Aso talking with Prime Minister Brown of the United Kingdom and others before a G8 working lunch

Photograph of Prime Minister Aso talking with Prime Minister Brown of the United Kingdom and others before a G8 working lunch

Photograph of the leaders of the G8 attending a commemorative photograph session (1)

Photograph of the leaders of the G8 attending a commemorative photograph session (1)

Photograph of the leaders of the G8 attending a commemorative photograph session (2)

Photograph of the leaders of the G8 attending a commemorative photograph session (2)

Photograph of the leaders of the G8 heading for the venue of the summit after a commemorative photograph session

Photograph of the leaders of the G8 heading for the venue of the summit after a commemorative photograph session

Photograph of the Prime Minister attending a G8 working session (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister attending a G8 working session (1)

Photograph of the Prime Minister attending a G8 working session (2)

Photograph of the Prime Minister attending a G8 working session (2)

Related photos

Click photographs to enlarge

  • Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting a site in L'Aquila, which suffered an earthquake (1)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister visiting a site in L'Aquila, which suffered an earthquake (2)
  • Photograph of Prime Minister Aso talking with Prime Minister Brown of the United Kingdom and others before a G8 working lunch
  • Photograph of the leaders of the G8 attending a commemorative photograph session (1)
  • Photograph of the leaders of the G8 attending a commemorative photograph session (2)
  • Photograph of the leaders of the G8 heading for the venue of the summit after a commemorative photograph session
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister attending a G8 working session (1)
  • Photograph of the Prime Minister attending a G8 working session (2)