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

Japan-Yemen Summit Meeting Monday, November 7, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Ali Abdullah Saleh, the President of the Republic of Yemen, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed the fight against terrorism, poverty eradication, the reform of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and bilateral relations among other topics. President Saleh said, "I believe that the fundamental context for terrorism is the issue of poverty. I think that it is essential for donor nations to achieve solidarity and join together in a partnership for the reduction and eradication of poverty." Furthermore, regarding bilateral relations, President Saleh expressed his gratitude for the debt reduction worth 200 million dollars that Japan has extended to Yemen in the past. He also explained the state of poverty and other affairs in Yemen and requested assistance in the form of yen loans, grant aids, and various types of private investment. Prime Minister Koizumi said, "Based on what I know of the state of affairs in Yemen, I would like to seriously examine what Japan can do and provide necessary assistance accordingly." Regarding reform of the UN Security Council, President Saleh said, "Yemen has always supported Japan's political and economic roles in the international arena. We intend to continue to support Japan's efforts to become a permanent member of the Security Council." In response, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his appreciation.