Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a Summit Meeting with Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt of the Kingdom of Belgium at the Prime Minister's Official Residence.
At the start of the meeting, the leaders discussed the match that took place in Japan between the Japan national team and the Belgium national team during last year's FIFA World Cup tournament. The Crown Princesses of Japan and Belgium attended the match together. The two leaders shared the view that the match that ended in a draw was good for both countries. During the meeting, the leaders agreed to strengthen economic relations between Japan and Belgium, and Prime Minister Koizumi explained his policy of doubling foreign investment in Japan over the coming five years. Furthermore, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his gratitude for the fact that Belgium has decided to participate in the 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan. In addition, the leaders exchanged views on the issue of Iraq and on the issue of nuclear development in North Korea.
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