Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� May, 2002

Former President Clinton of the United States Pays Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Tuesday, May 21, 2002 Former U. S. President William Jefferson Clinton paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. President Clinton was in Japan to give a lecture at the United Nations University. During the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi explained the structural reforms being pursued in Japan and stated that the Japanese economy had now bottomed out and that there had been no change to his determination to advance reform for growth. Former President Clinton responded with words of encouragement stating that he hoped that Prime Minister Koizumi would adhere to his ultimate vision and not give in to the difficult challenges along the way. Furthermore, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that Japan intended to continue to cooperate for the policies toward the Middle East peace process that former President Clinton developed while he was in office.