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| Top Speeches and Statements by Prime Minister |
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iProvisional Translationj
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Joint Press Conference Following the Japan- Poland Summit Meeting (Summary) |
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August 19, 2003
I welcome the visit to Poland by a Japanese Prime Minister for the first time in thirteen years. Last year Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Poland. This visit by the Prime Minister proves that exchange between Japan and Poland has deepened. On this occasion I signed a Joint Statement with Japan, which, I believe, will further develop the relations between our two countries into a strategic partnership, not only in Europe, but also in global dimensions. Our efforts to establish such a partnership are founded in the long history of exchange between Poland and Japan, the success achieved by Poland in its efforts to implement reform toward democracy and market economy and the new possibilities that have come along with Poland's accession to the European Union (EU), with which Japan has established a global strategic partnership. During our meeting, we also discussed economic relations and cultural exchange between Japan and Poland. While the trade between Japan and Poland amounts to approximately US$1 billion, there is an imbalance due to the low level of exports from Poland. I intend to address this issue between Japan and Poland through holding conferences such as a meeting at economic ministers' level. Furthermore, Japanese investment in Poland ranks 21st among foreign investment. In this regard, I also intend to increase investment from Japan. As for international relations, we also discussed possible areas for cooperation between Japan and Poland including Iraq issues, and United Nations reform. I am satisfied that we were able to hold talks on cooperation in the various fields between Poland and Japan. I believe that cooperation between Poland and Japan enables both countries to play an important role in the international community.
I would like to express my deep gratitude for this opportunity to visit Poland and for the warm welcome I received. In April, I spoke with Prime Minister Leszek Miller on the telephone and he had extended an invitation to visit Poland. I am glad that this visit has been realized. In July 2002, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan visited Poland and I would like to express my gratitude for the warm hospitality that they received. I felt during my visit that their visit has greatly contributed to advancing our friendly relations. Although Japan and Poland are geographically distant, Poland, symbolized by individuals such as Madam Marie Curie-Sklodowska and Frederic Chopin, is very familiar with the Japanese people and our friendly relations have been progressing. The Joint Statement that we signed this time is a blueprint for where our bilateral relations should go in the future and I intend to further advance Japan-Poland relations accordingly. Throughout its history, Poland has overcome various difficulties, and has advanced, in recent years, reform toward liberal democracy and market economy, and now shares many common values with Japan. Poland's future accession to the EU is an indication that it has achieved success in its reforms as well as an indication that it is embarking upon greater development. I am convinced that it is compatible that Poland will fulfill an important role within the EU and that Poland will strengthen its relations with Japan. In the future, I intend to advance the cooperation between Japan and Poland on various important international issues including issues of international counter-terrorism, Iraq and North Korea. Today I invited Prime Minister Miller to visit Japan. I believe that this visit has provided us an opportunity for our two countries to cooperate in various fields in the future, and I think that this was a good visit.
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