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

Japan-Belgium Summit Meeting Wednesday, November 9, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Mr. Guy Verhofstadt, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, assistance to Africa, and the reform of the United Nations (UN) among other topics. Regarding bilateral relations, Prime Minister Verhofstadt made a request concerning the revision of a Japan-Belgium tax treaty and the establishment of direct flights between Japan and Belgium. In regard to the revision of the tax treaty, Prime Minister Koizumi responded by indicating that he would instruct the bureaus in charge to thoroughly discuss the matter. Furthermore, regarding assistance to Africa, the two leaders agreed to advance mutual consultations from the standpoint of Japan-Belgium cooperation. Concerning the reform of the UN, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his gratitude in response to Prime Minister Verhofstadt's statement that Belgium, as a cosponsor of the G4 proposal from the beginning, supports Japan's position on becoming a permanent member of the Security Council. Prime Minister Koizumi also expressed his intention to continue cooperating with Belgium in order to realize reform.