Joint Statement on Friendship, Co-operation and Partnership between Japan and Romania

Tokyo, February 14, 2002

On the occasion of President of Romania Ion Iliescu's official visit to Japan, from February 12 to 15, 2002, Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi and President of Romania Ion Iliescu reconfirmed the traditional friendship existing between the two countries and issued the following statement on the framework for future bilateral relations in the new international environment of the 21st century. (Overview and Prospects of the relationship between Japan and Romania) Both sides reconfirmed the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries and noted, with satisfaction, that bilateral relations in various fields, including political affairs, economy, and culture, have been steadily strengthening since the overthrow of the communist regime of Romania in December 1989. The Japanese side praised the steadfast efforts of the Romanian people since 1989, by which Romania has established democracy, promoted transition towards a market economy, and contributed, as a pillar of stability, to the peace and security in South East Europe. The Romanian side expressed its deep gratitude to the Government and the people of Japan for the extensive assistance provided to Romania for the democratization process and its transition towards a market economy, and appreciation of the important role Japan has been playing for peace and stability in South East Europe. Both sides were pleased with the steady implementation of various points in the Joint Statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania on the Co-operation between the two Ministries, signed in July 1997, including, inter alia, enhancement of political dialogue, promotion of closer co-operation between their permanent missions to the United Nations and other international organizations, collaboration for reform of the United Nations, promotion of bilateral relations in the economic field, Japan's support for Romanian efforts towards economic reform, and Romanian measures to ensure effective implementation of economic co-operation from Japan, promotion of co-operation in the fields of culture, education, information, science and technology, and development of co-operation in the struggle against terrorism and transnational organized crime, the fight against drug trafficking, and the protection of the environment. Both sides affirmed their will to continue co-operation in all these fields. Both sides expressed their satisfaction that the foundation for a new relation of partnership based on shared fundamental values has been laid down between the two countries through Romania's sincere efforts towards the establishment of democracy and a market economy, and Japan's consistent support and co-operation towards such efforts. Both sides shared the resolve to promote further co-operation in a wide range of fields, including political affairs, economy, international co-operation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges on the basis of this foundation. Both sides acknowledged the vital role of the Japan-Europe relationship in international society and welcomed the progress in Romania's integration into the European Union, a step that would promote bilateral relations as well as Japan-Europe co-operation as a whole. In this context, the Romanian side expressed its firm determination to strengthen the special relationship with Japan while continuing efforts for integration into the European Union and NATO. Both sides noted, with satisfaction, that they are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their relationship with the prospect of developing their bilateral partnership to a qualitatively higher level. (Promotion of political dialogue) Both sides confirmed, with satisfaction, that political dialogue has been developing not only in the area of bilateral relations but also with regard to various fields including regional situations and global issues. Both sides renewed their resolve to strengthen such political dialogue at all levels, thereby further developing their traditionally friendly relationship. In particular, both sides recognized the importance of peace and stability in South East Europe and expressed their determination to enhance their dialogue and co-operation to promote greater security, democratization, and economic development in the region. Also, both sides considered mutually beneficial to intensify their consultations in areas pertaining to the process of European and Euro-Atlantic integration and its security-related aspects. At the same time, the Romanian side confirmed its continuing interest in the developments in Asia and its desire for closer dialogue with Japan. (Co-operation in the economic field) Both sides recognized the deepening of economic relations as an essential underpinning toward strengthening bilateral relations as a whole, and expressed their will to strengthen their co-operation in the economic field. The Romanian side expressed its intention to take further steps to foster a better investment environment, including various measures to promote foreign investments, while continuing to develop a market economy. The Romanian side also announced its intention to explore additional ways to provide Japanese businessmen with necessary information on the investment environment, including economic conditions in Romania and its legal system with regard to investment-related matters. The Japanese side confirmed that it would continue its support for Romanian efforts to develop a market economy, and expressed its intention to dispatch an economic mission to Romania this year. Recognizing the tremendous impact of advanced technologies on economic and social development, the Romanian side expressed its interest in expanding its co-operation with Japan in such fields as information and communications technology. (Global issues) Both sides condemned the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001, as despicable and unforgivable acts that endanger the peace and security of all countries and pose a grave challenge to human beings everywhere regardless of their religion or culture. Both sides reiterated that terrorism can never be justified for whatever reason and emphasized the particular importance of the concerted efforts of the international community to counter terrorism with the objective of its total elimination. Both sides reaffirmed their determination for active co-operation in the United Nations and other international organizations. Both sides recognized the vital importance of the role of the United Nations for the sake of world peace, stability, and prosperity in the 21st century, and reaffirmed their resolve to work together for the early realization of UN reforms, starting with the reform of the Security Council, including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership. In this context, the Romanian side reiterated its support for Japan to become a permanent member of the Security Council. Both sides reiterated their strong support for international co-operation with respect to environmental problems, including global warming, and expressed their readiness to make every effort to ensure the success of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, to be held in South Africa from August to September this year. Both sides acknowledged that, in order to ensure the effectiveness of measures to counter global warming, all countries should engage in reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases and expressed their resolve to endeavor to establish international rules to that end. (People-to-people and cultural exchanges) Both sides recognized that the foundation for a close relationship lies in deep and broadly based mutual trust and a wide-range of extensive exchanges between their two peoples and emphasized the importance of promoting people-to-people and cultural exchanges. From this viewpoint, both sides confirmed that they would hold memorial events to celebrate the centennial of the first diplomatic contacts between Japan and Romania and would work together for their success.