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

Japan-Canada and Japan-U.S. Summit Meetings Tuesday, June 25, 2002 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, currently visiting Kananaskis, Canada, for the G8 Summit, held bilateral summit meetings with Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Canada and President George W. Bush of the United States of America on June 25, 2002 (June 26, Japan time) prior to the Summit. At the Japan-Canada Summit Meeting, in regard to the issue of assistance to Africa as one of the themes of this G8 Summit, the two leaders shared the recognition that "self-help efforts are necessary" for the eradication of corruption and respect for human rights in countries receiving assistance. At the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting, in light of the declaration in May that the Japanese economy has bottomed out, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his determination to continue grappling with reform, stating, "Structural reforms are steadily advancing. I will move further ahead with the privatization of the government sector, which is the most difficult part of the reforms." In response, President Bush expressed his hope for the recovery of growth in the Japanese economy, stating, "The strengthening of the Japanese economy is essential. Economic strength is also necessary to further increase Japan's influence. I would like to congratulate you on the advancement of reforms." Furthermore, the two leaders confirmed the continued cooperation by both countries toward the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and anti-terrorism measures.