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

Japan-Norway Summit Meeting Tuesday, May 27, 2003 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway. At the meeting, the leaders exchanged opinions on support for the reconstruction of Iraq, peace in the Middle East and the issue of North Korea. Concerning assistance for the reconstruction of Iraq, Prime Minister Koizumi clarified his position that Japan should take the initiative and play an appropriate role in support for reconstruction and in the provision of humanitarian assistance. Prime Minister Bondevik for his part highly valued Japan's contribution to Middle East issues, which Norway has played an active role in, and emphasized his intention to hold both Israel and Palestine to their commitments.