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

Prime Minister Visits Southwest Asia and Europe (Fourth Day) Monday, May 2, 2005 Click photographs to enlarge Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a summit meeting with Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, the Prime Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, at Senningen Castle on the morning of May 2 (Japan time: evening of May 2). At the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi asked for support for Japan becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and Prime Minister Juncker expressed his intention to offer support. Prime Minister Koizumi then took part in the 14th Japan-EU Summit with Prime Minister Juncker of Luxembourg, the current holder of the European Union (EU) Presidency, and Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, among others. The leaders agreed to strengthen strategic dialogue between Japan and the EU on issues such as East Asia's security environment including the People's Republic of China. After the summit meeting, the leaders issued a Joint Press Statement that includes strengthening cooperation on international issues and economic issues. Afterward, Prime Minister Koizumi arrived in the Kingdom of the Netherlands on the evening of May 2 (Japan time: midnight on May 2) and held a summit meeting with Mr. Jan Peter Balkenende, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. At the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Balkenende for Dutch troops having played a role in maintaining security in Samawah, Iraq. In concluding his visit to Southwest Asia and Europe, Prime Minister Koizumi held a press conference in Amsterdam, during which he said, "Although I spent only a short amount of time in all of these countries, the visit was very fruitful. I would truly like to thank all of the countries for extending such a warm welcome." Related link:Press Conference by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Following His Visit to Southwest Asia and Europe JOINT PRESS STATEMENT:The 14th Japan-EU Summit