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

Japan-Tuvalu Summit Meeting Monday, December 15, 2003 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held talks with Mr. Saufatu Sopoanga, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, Prime Minister Sopoanga explained the threat of rising sea levels caused by global warming and land submergence, which is a current concern for Tuvalu as the Pacific island nation. He said that he is urging the concern to the international community, and requested for assistance. In response, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "Japan has special interest in environmental and global warming issues. There are many areas in which Japan can cooperate as a neighboring country on the Pacific Rim."