Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� March, 2003

Prime Minister Meets with President of Tajikistan Tuesday, March 18, 2003 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with President Emomali Rahmonov of the Republic of Tajikistan at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. President Rahmonov of Tajikistan, the nation currently serving as the chair of the International Aral Sea Rescue Fund, met with Prime Minister Koizumi upon his arrival in Tokyo in the afternoon after delivering an address in the morning at the 3rd World Water Forum, which is being held in Kyoto and other locations. At the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi and President Rahmonov confirmed that they will further deepen political dialogue and friendly relations according to the Joint Statement on Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and the Republic of Tajikistan that was signed by both countries in 2001. Prime Minister Koizumi stated, "I am happy that the development of relations is advancing. I would like to further promote friendly relations." Furthermore, President Rahmonov praised Japan's involvement in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, stating, "Japan's initiative will be a positive influence on the region as a whole."