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What's up around the Prime Minister > January, 2005 |
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Japan-Zambia Summit Meeting
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Levy Patrick Mwanawasa, the President of the Republic of Zambia at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed mainly about economic cooperation, promotion of industries and tourism, United Nations (UN) reform among other topics. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi asked about the 40th anniversary of Zambia's independence, to which President Mwanawasa responded, "The biggest issue is how to reduce the debt which amounts to 7 billion dollars. Aside from this issue, we are struggling with poverty reduction and job creation, together with measures against infectious diseases, demand and supply of food, and promotion of tourism." Furthermore, regarding the assistance and cooperation extended by Japan, President Mwanawasa requested by saying, "The main industry of Zambia is the production of bronze. As Japan's consumption of bronze is considerable, I wish for the Japanese government to initiate the interest of Japanese companies to Zambia. I further ask for Japan's assistance in the efforts for poverty reduction, health and medical areas, reform of the economic structure and more." As for the UN reform, President Mwanawasa noted, "Zambia supports the move for the UN reform. I am well aware that Japan is aiming to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, and Zambia is in full support." Prime Minister Koizumi, in response to these comments, expressed his gratitude for Zambia's support of Japan's efforts in becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council and further said, "Bronze is a very valuable resource for Japan as well, and I thus hold high expectations for the development of the bronze industry in Zambia. I wish to discuss what kind of efforts between Japan and Zambia will be most effective for promoting the industries and tourism." In closing the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "As Japan and Zambia have been enjoying a very friendly relation for the past 40 years, I wish to further work for our friendly relation on this occasion of the visit by President Mwanawasa."
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