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

Prime Minister Meets with President of Philippines Tuesday, May 21, 2002 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. The two leaders agreed to continue efforts to create an environment toward the conclusion of an Economic Partnership Agreement to promote trade and investment between Japan and the Philippines. Moreover, in this context, the two leaders confirmed the importance of efforts to create a favorable investment environment in the Philippines in order to expand economic exchanges between the two nations. In addition, President Arroyo commented on measures to prevent terrorism, stating, "The fundamental aspect of counter-terrorism measures is the battle against poverty." The President asked for Japanese cooperation for the development of Mindanao, and Prime Minister Koizumi indicated his view that Japan would do its utmost to provide assistance.