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

Japan-Tunisia Summit Meeting Wednesday, June 22, 2005 JAPANESE Click photographs to enlarge Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Mohamed Ghannouchi, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tunisia at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. The meeting was carried on in a relaxed mood as both leaders were not wearing ties and they discussed various topics including bilateral relations, the international situation and the United Nations (UN) Security Council reform. Prime Minister Koizumi said, "Japan and Tunisia have been enjoying very sound bilateral relations. Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. I intend to take that opportunity to further develop our relations. With regard to the UN reform, I am grateful that Tunisia is in support of Japan's bid to become a permanent member of the Security Council." In response, Prime Minister Ghannouchi commented, "I welcome our sound bilateral relations. I appreciate Japan's assistance for Tunisia. Since 1994 Tunisia has been supporting Japan's bid to become a permanent member of the Security Council. It is justifiable for Japan to become a permanent member of the Security Council." After the summit meeting, both leaders attended the signing ceremony for the Exchange of Notes on two yen-loan projects: "Borj Cedria Science and Technology Park Development Project" and "Photovoltaic Rural Electrification and Water Supply Project."