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What's up around the Prime Minister > December, 2004 |
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Japan-Bulgaria Summit Meeting
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Simeon Saxe-Coburg, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Bulgaria at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed their joint statement which advocates the enhancement of the bilateral partnership between the two countries in a wide range of areas, including the situation in Iraq, the reform of the United Nations (UN), their economic cooperation, environmental issues, promotion of tourism. In the opening of the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi gave an address, in which he said, "The affinity toward Bulgaria is deepening with yogurt for which Bulgaria is famous and the excellent performance of the Bulgarian sumo wrestler in Japan." With regard to the UN reform, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "The momentum for reform is now picking up its pace. Japan is now making efforts towards the realization of the reform," to which Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg responded, "Bulgaria supports Japan's efforts to become a permanent member of the Security Council. It is Bulgaria's intention to cooperate with Japan and work together towards the reform of the UN as a whole." As for the situation in Iraq, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "I am aware that Bulgaria is dispatching its troops to Iraq. There is a need to establish humanitarian assistance in order for the people of Iraq to establish their government by themselves." To this, Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg replied, "It is vital that the election scheduled for next January bring good results and stability be achieved in Iraq," and the two leaders agreed on the necessity of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq. Furthermore, regarding the decision to exempt Bulgarians visiting Japan from having to obtain a visa for short-term stays, Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg expressed his expectation that this will contribute to the promotion of their economic relations including tourism and human exchanges. Following the summit meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi and Prime Minister Saxe-Coburg signed the Joint Statement on Partnership between Japan and the Republic of Bulgaria.
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