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

Japan-Kyrgyz Republic Summit Meeting Wednesday, April 21, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Askar Akaev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, President Akaev indicated that Afghanistan was a threat that destabilizes Central Asia and said, "The peace and stability of Afghanistan serves as the basis of stability in Central Asia. We are grateful that Japan has continued its involvement in measures for reconstruction, such as holding the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan in Tokyo." President Akaev also highly evaluated the role Japan is playing in the reconstruction of Iraq and expressed his appreciation for the assistance Japan has provided to Kyrgyzstan. In response, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "I am glad to see that Kyrgyzstan is developing steadily. Japan would like to continue to provide as much cooperation as possible in this regard."