Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama held talks with His Excellency Dr. Heinz Fischer, Federal President of the Republic of Austria, at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Hatoyama sincerely welcomed Federal President Fischer's visit to Japan this year, which has been designated as Japan-Austria Year 2009, and stated that he had a strong sentimental interest in Austria.

On Japan-Austria bilateral relations, Prime Minister Hatoyama stated that he was extremely pleased that the two countries had been deepening their friendship and mutual understanding through the VIP visits and various exchange activities. The Prime Minister expressed his hope for the two countries to further enhance exchanges through various channels in the public and private sectors. He also proposed to start having concrete consultations for the conclusion of a social security agreement, in order to develop an environment for the further development of bilateral relations not only in the areas of culture, such as music, and tourism, but also of economy.

Federal President Fischer expressed gratitude for inviting him to visit Japan despite the Prime Minister's tight schedule immediately after the inauguration of the new administration. The Federal President evaluated highly Japan's new initiative on climate change that Prime Minister Hatoyama announced in New York. He stated that although the two countries maintain good bilateral relations, he, without being satisfied with the status quo, intended to aim for the further enhancement of bilateral relations. Federal President Fischer also indicated his intention to instruct relevant authorities to commence as soon as possible consultations on a social security agreement. Furthermore, the Federal President invited Prime Minister Hatoyama to visit, in his capacity as Prime Minister, Austria in the near future.

Prime Minister Hatoyama expressed appreciation for the invitation and stated that he would explore the possibility in depth.

During the meeting, the leaders also exchanged views on international matters of mutual interest, including the situation in Europe, climate change, current situation in East Asia, and the world economy.