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What's up around the Prime Minister > March, 2005 |
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Japan-Congo Summit Meeting
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Joseph Kabila, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed the political and socioeconomic situations in Congo among other topics. With regard to its political situation, President Kabila shared that an interim government was established in 2003 and that an election is to be held by the end of this year. He gave an explanation on the status of preparations for this election. President Kabila also noted on the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations (PKO) in Congo and expressed his gratitude for Japan's contribution in these activities. As for its socioeconomic situation, President Kabila remarked that he intends to work toward the strengthening of economic relations between Japan and Congo. He indicated his expectations for Japanese private companies to advance into Congo's market and for Japanese investors to invest in the county. He also commented that Congo is in support of Japan obtaining permanent membership in the Security Council and intends to continue its efforts to realize the UN reform. Prime Minister Koizumi said, "The Japan-Congo relations used to be very active and Japanese companies used to advance into Congo in a manner that supplemented one another. I hope we will be able to enjoy such relations again. Political stability and safety are vital for Japanese companies to advance into Congo to contribute to its economic development." President Kabila then made his last comment, "As the issues of Africa is one of the major priority agenda items to be discussed at this year's G8 Summit meeting, please share how you intend to deal with these issues as well as your basic views on this matter." To this, Prime Minister Koizumi responded, "Since the time of former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, Japan has been maintaining the position that development of the world cannot be achieved without resolving the issues of Africa. We will continue to adhere with this view."
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