Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > October, 2004

Japan-Finland Summit Meeting Wednesday, October 20, 2004 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Ms. Tarja Halonen, the President of the Republic of Finland at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, President Halonen noted that this year marks the 85th anniversary since the establishment of relations between Japan and Finland and stated her wish that their friendly relations will deepen further. The two leaders agreed that the both countries would share their knowledge and experience with one another and cooperate on the issues with which both countries are faced, such as welfare, gender equality, decreasing birthrate and aging society. President Halonen also spoke of her expectation to enhance the economic relationship with Japan and mentioned that Finland would host the coming Sixth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in 2006. The two leaders concurred to cooperate at ASEM as well. As for the reform of the United Nations (UN), President Halonen stated that Finland has long supported the idea of Japan becoming a permanent member of the Security Council and expressed her wish to cooperate with Japan in its efforts to realize the UN reform. The two leaders shared the understanding that carrying out the general public election by the end of January 2005 is the key to the reconstruction of Iraq and that cooperation by the international community is important in this regard.