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

Japan-Brazil Summit Meeting Thursday, May 26, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, President Lula commented that, "The presence of Japan is indispensable to the United Nations (UN) Security Council. We must have the courage to build the future," and expressed Brazil's support for Japan's bid to become a permanent member of the Security Council. With regard to the UN reform, it was decided that the details would be discussed at the Japan-Brazil foreign ministers' meeting scheduled for the following day. As for their bilateral relations, President Lula remarked, "After a decade-long stagnation, the Brazilian economy is starting to grow. I believe that Japan too has overcome its economic crises and is on the path of economic growth," and continued saying that, "I wish to build a cooperative relationship with Japan in the field of energy." President Lula further stated his intention to consider the possibility of forming a partnership with Japan at the ministerial-level. Prime Minister Koizumi, in response said, "What we need is a post-petroleum paradigm that does not depend on oil. This issue is of interest not only to Japan but to the entire world. I wish to promote a partnership between Japan and Brazil in specific terms." After the meeting, the two leaders issued a joint declaration which called on all UN member countries to join the joint proposal in order to adopt the "framework resolution" calling for the expansion of the Security Council proposed by the Group of Four (G4) countries which are seeking to become permanent members of the Security Council. The G4 is comprised of Japan, Brazil, Germany and India. Related Link: Japan-Brazil Summit Meeting (Special Topics)