Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� March, 2004

Japan-Kingdom of Sweden Summit Meeting Monday, March 8, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Goran Persson, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "Sweden is one of the favorite countries of the people of Japan. Sweden is known as a welfare state, and concerning welfare matters, Japanese Diet members visit Sweden to observe the situation." The two leaders affirmed that cooperation among the international community is important for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq. With regard to the issue of North Korea, given that Sweden has diplomatic relations with North Korea, Prime Minister Koizumi asked Prime Minister Persson to convey his message that "becoming a member of the international community is important for the safety and prosperity of North Korea." In addition to these issues, discussions also took place over strengthening of bilateral political and economic relations.