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Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda arrived in Toyako Town, Abuta County, Hokkaido, to hold the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit.
Arriving at New Chitose Airport on a government airplane, Prime Minister and Mrs. Fukuda moved to the hotel where the G8 Summit is to be held. Afterwards, Prime Minister and Mrs. Fukuda visited the International Media Center near the hotel, and observed the Environmental Showcase displaying advanced environmental technologies. After receiving a welcome by a humanoid bipedal walking robot, Prime Minister and Mrs. Fukuda observed displays such as a digital globe called "Tangible Earth" that illustrates the current situation of the Earth concerning the climate change and environmental pollution. They also visited the Hokkaido Information Center that introduces the history and nature of Hokkaido, including Ainu culture, and enjoyed a musical performance of mukkuri, a traditional Ainu instrument.
After that, Prime Minister Fukuda returned to the venue of the G8 Summit and held talks with Mr. George W. Bush, President of the United States of America. At the talks, the two leaders agreed that it is through the Japan-US alliance that the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region has been maintained over the past decades. They also discussed the North Korean abduction issue, as well as major issues on the G8 agenda, including issues on the global warming and surge in food prices.
On the abduction issue, Prime Minister Fukuda expressed that it is important to resolve this issue together with the denuclearization of North Korea. In response, President Bush clearly stated his support for Japan's position and reasserted that the US will coordinate closely with Japan on that matter. On the issue of global warming, the two leaders confirmed their intention to continue cooperation toward the upcoming G8 Summit. Furthermore, they agreed to cooperate for ensuring health and food security in Africa.
After the talks, the two leaders held a joint press conference, in which Prime Minister Fukuda said, "President Bush stated that he will never forget the abduction issue, that he will clearly support Japan's stance concerning this issue, and that the US intends to continue coordinating with Japan for the resolution of the issue. I am heartened by these words. Mr. President and I furthermore share the stances to regard the climate change issue as one of the gravest challenges that humanity faces, find it our responsibility to sustain the beautiful planet Earth for our children, and further continue our cooperation for these causes toward the upcoming G8 Summit."
Prime Minister Fukuda then held talks with Mr. Stephen Joseph Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, in which the two leaders confirmed that they will cooperate in areas such as African development and peace building for the resolution of regional conflicts. Prime Minister Fukuda and Prime Minister Harper also exchanged views on issues on the global warming and surge in crude oil prices, among other matters.
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