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

Japan-Iceland Summit Meeting Monday, July 11, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Halldor Asgrimsson, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Iceland at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed about the United Nations (UN) Security Council reform, the issue of whaling and the bilateral relations, among other topics. With regard to the UN Security Council reform, Prime Minister Asgrimsson stated that Iceland views the reform of the Security Council as necessary and that as a co-sponsor of the Group of Four (G4) countries it is in support of Japan. To this, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his gratitude. As for the issue of whaling, Prime Minister Koizumi remarked that Japan is greatly encouraged that Iceland's position regarding this issue falls in line with Japan's in the international arena. As next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Japan and Iceland, the two leaders agreed on the bilateral relations to strengthen economic relations in particular to further enhance their friendly relations.