Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > January, 2005

Japan-Andorra Summit Meeting Wednesday, January 19, 2005 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Marc Forne Molne, the Prime Minister of the Principality of Andorra at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, Prime Minister Forne first gave an introduction and explanation on Andorra. He noted the characteristic of Andorra, located between France and Spain, as being a country built on tourism. The country with a population of 60,000 to 70,000 welcomes over 10 million tourists annually. Prime Minister Forne also said that the country has hot springs and is abundant in cultural tourism resources, backed by its rich history. Prime Minister Koizumi said, "I am pleased that the cooperative relations between Japan and Andorra have been advancing over the ten years since the establishment of our diplomatic relations," to which Prime Minister Forne responded by saying, "I also recognize the very good relations between Japan and Andorra. I am fully aware of Japan's intent to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Andorra believes that Japan is well qualified in becoming a permanent member when considering its tradition and history together with its earnest efforts in providing assistance to developing countries, including the assistance it provided to the countries that have suffered damages from the recent tsunami."