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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Paul Martin, the Prime Minister of Canada at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed their bilateral relations including economic issues, the United Nations (UN) reform, the so-called G20, a meeting by leaders of 20 countries, the Kyoto Protocol and assistance for people afflicted by the damages caused by the earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Sumatra Island, among others. As for economic issues, the two leaders shared their recognition on the enhancing economic relations between Japan and Canada, and for the UN reform, the increasing momentum for reform. After the meeting, the two leaders held a joint press conference, at which Prime Minister Koizumi said, "At this meeting, Prime Minister Martin and I agreed with respect to our bilateral relations that further achievements should be materialized and latent possibilities utilized, and that there are many areas in which Japan and Canada can cooperate in. We also agreed with the respect to the need for the UN reform, consideration of a comprehensive framework to enhance our economic relations and to lend a helping hand to the reconstruction assistance for people affected by the earthquake and tsunami off the coast of Sumatra Island. I expect that the cooperation between our policies will further deepen based on the achievements from today's meeting so that our overall bilateral relations will further develop in a favorable manner." In response to this comment, Prime Minister Martin noted by saying, "I respect Japan's response measures for the damages caused by the tsunami, which were undertaken both promptly and in due consideration of the needs of the people in need of assistance," and continued that, "We have come to agreement to enhance and improve the economic partnership between Japan and Canada." Following the meeting, a dinner was hosted by Prime Minister Koizumi.

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