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

Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting Friday, October 17, 2003 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held talks with Mr. George W. Bush, the President of the United States of America, in the Japanese-style annex building of the State Guest House. At the meeting, President Bush expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan for its decision to provide financial assistance of US$1.5 billion in 2004 for the reconstruction of Iraq. Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his intention to actively contribute to the humanitarian and reconstruction assistance for Iraq under international coordination. The two leaders agreed to cooperate on their efforts for the reconstruction assistance for Iraq. Regarding the issues of North Korea, the leaders agreed for Japan and the U.S. to closely cooperate for a peaceful solution on issues such as nuclear development and to work toward an early resumption of the six-party talks and a comprehensive solution for issues including the abduction issue. Furthermore, the two leaders exchanged opinions on economic issues including the exchange rate and trade, and President Bush expressed his support for the structural reform raised by Prime Minister Koizumi. After the meeting, the two leaders, joined by First Lady Laura Bush and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda and his wife held further talks over the dinner.