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

Japan-Nauru Summit Meeting Wednesday, August 3, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Ludwig Scotty, the President of the Republic of Nauru at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed about the bilateral relations, the United Nations (UN) Security Council reform and fisheries in relation to the International Whaling Commission (IWC), among other topics. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his gratitude for Nauru co-sponsoring the draft resolution regarding the UN reform submitted by the Group of Four (G4) and stated, "I welcome your visit to Japan for the first time as the President of the Republic of Nauru. I intend to further enhance the relations between our two countries." President Scotty remarked, "Japan is making efforts not only on the UN Security Council reform but also regarding the IWC despite the many issues that exist between Japan and other countries. The current administration of Nauru is in full support of Japan's position under the recognition that such efforts will make a global contribution. With regard to the draft resolution of the G4, we fully recognize Japan's role in the UN and the international community. As such, we recognize that now is the right time for Japan to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council." In addition, President Scotty commented that Japan should be able to play an admirable role in the international community as the only country to have ever experienced the devastation of atomic bombing during World War II and as a country that fully recognizes the misery brought upon by the past wars. He further asked for Japan's cooperation while the Government of Nauru works to vitalize its country. In closing the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi noted, "I am greatly pleased with our cooperative relationships regarding the UN reform and the IWC. I hope that the visit by President Scotty will serve as a good opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relations and cooperation on global issues."