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

Japan-Paraguay Summit Meeting Saturday, October 29, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Nicanor Duarte Frutos, the President of the Republic of Paraguay, at the State Guest House in Kyoto. At the first-ever summit meeting held at the State Guest House in Kyoto, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "This is my second visit to the State Guest House in Kyoto following the opening ceremony in April, and I have been greatly looking forward to holding the first meeting at this facility." At the meeting, the leaders discussed a wide range of topics, including the reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, economic and technical cooperation, and Japanese immigrants and their descendents. Prime Minister Koizumi said, "There are absolutely no outstanding issues of dispute with respect to the bilateral relations between Japan and Paraguay. I cannot tell you how happy I am that our friendly relations are advancing and that our discussions are all about cooperation. We appreciate the support you have extended to Japan at the UN." President Duarte said, "We are greatly honored to be able to offer our support to Japan at the UN. This is an indication of Paraguay's appreciation for Japan." In addition, Prime Minister Koizumi announced that Japan would provide yen loans for the Iguazu power plant construction project, to which President Duarte expressed his gratitude. Furthermore, President Duarte conveyed his admiration for Prime Minister Koizumi's leadership in politics and reforms, and congratulated him for his overriding victory in the elections. Prime Minister Koizumi said that he respects the reform efforts promoted by President Duarte in regards to moving the country away from an authoritarian regime.