Speeches and Statements by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi




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January 14, 2005

Joint Press Release

Tangible results of the cooperation based on the Joint Statement towards the Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Republic of Poland issued in August 2003 and prospects for further cooperation

1. Political dimension and international issues of mutual interest

(1) Iraq

- The Governments of the two countries support the people of Iraq and the Iraqi Interim Government in their efforts to achieve social and economic reconstruction of Iraq in the framework of the implementation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1546 (2004).

- To this end, a Polish military contingent which forms part of the multinational forces in Iraq has been deployed. The Government of Japan has also dispatched units of the Self Defense Forces to Iraq for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, and recently decided to extend the activities for another year.

- The Governments of the two countries are working for the reconstruction of Iraq. In the central-southern part of Iraq, while the Polish-led Multinational Division contributes to the stabilization of that part of the country, the Government of Japan is financing projects for the reconstruction, such as rehabilitation of hospitals and a thermal power station.

- The Governments of the two countries commit themselves to supporting the political process in Iraq, including holding of the elections planned on 30 January 2005.

(2) UN reform

The Governments of the two countries commend the efforts of the members of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change in drafting their report. The recommendations contained in the report provide a comprehensive, strategic review of the present basic values, principles, and rules, which constitute the very foundation of the United Nations, and propose a new security consensus, which is concordant, to a great extent, with the concept of a New Political Act for the United Nations, proposed by the Polish Foreign Minister in 2002. Both sides reiterated the need to expand the Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent member categories, in order to enhance its effectiveness and credibility. In this context, the Polish side reiterated its support for Japan's aspirations to become a permanent member of the Security Council. Both sides are ready to further cooperate in promoting the reform of the UN system before the Summit in September 2005.

(3) Non-proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery

- Both Japan and the Republic of Poland will further develop bilateral cooperation in the sphere of non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery at the expert level. The Governments of the two countries strongly support UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), and take a lead in ensuring its full implementation.

- They also reiterate their strong commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) (Cracow Initiative) and the Statement of Interdiction Principles. There has been successful cooperation among the participants of the PSI, in which the Governments of the two countries have been actively participating since its inception. The PSI's first Anniversary Meeting, to which the Government of Japan sent a high-level delegation, was hosted by the Government of the Republic of Poland in Cracow in May 2004. In April 2004, the Government of the Republic of Poland hosted the PSI exercise "Safe Borders," and in October 2004, the Government of Japan hosted the PSI exercise "Team Samurai 04."

- Both sides will continue cooperation in the G8 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, and work together to expand its partnership.

(4) Ukraine

The Governments of the two countries welcomed the election of the new President and progress made in its democracy. The Japanese side commended the role of the Republic of Poland, especially of President Aleksander Kwa?niewski as mediator, in the process of breaking the political stalemate in Ukraine. Both sides will continue to work together to assist Ukraine's efforts for its further democratization and transition to market economy.

(5) Visit to Japan of Polish Foreign Minister

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland expressed his willingness to participate in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) 7th Foreign Minister's Meeting that will be held in Kyoto in May 2005, and to take part in the Polish Day during the "2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan."

(6) Bilateral consultations

Three rounds of bilateral political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries were held in March 2004 in Warsaw, in April 2004 in Tokyo and in December 2004 in Tokyo - focusing on regional and global affairs as well as on the bilateral relationship.

(7) Visegrad Four and Japan (V4 + 1) cooperation

The V4+1 Coordinators' meeting was held in March 2004 in Bratislava. A Security Policy Workshop within the V4+1 framework was held in March 2004 in Tokyo.

2. Economic dimension

(1) EU accession

The accession of the Republic of Poland to the European Union (EU) in May 2004 created more favorable conditions for the growth of investments and trade between the two countries.

(2) Cooperation with PAIiIZ

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) sent an expert on investment and trade to the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency (PAIiIZ) in April 2004, to help further improve the investment environment in the Republic of Poland. The Government of the Republic of Poland is working towards dispatching a PAIiIZ representative to Japan, to further encourage Japanese investments in the Republic of Poland.

(3) Driving permit

Mutual exemption from the examination of driving permit was agreed between the Governments of the two countries in April 2004, which is expected to improve the business environment and facilities for companies operating in both countries.

(4) Cooperation in development assistance

The Government of Japan has been assisting the Government of the Republic of Poland in implementing its assistance for third countries, utilizing the facilities established through Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the Republic of Poland for training specialists from those countries. The Government of Japan is ready to share with the Government of the Republic of Poland its experience in development assistance in order to enhance the Government of the Republic of Poland's capacity as a new donor.

(5) Poland-Japan Energy Conservation Technology Centre

The technical cooperation project for "The Poland-Japan Energy Conservation Technology Centre" to promote development of technology for energy conservation has started in July 2004 with a scheduled term of four years.

(6) Polish-Japanese Institute on Information Technology

The Polish-Japanese Institute on Information Technology in Warsaw, established with Japanese technical cooperation, marked its tenth anniversary in October 2004. It has become one of the most renowned institutes in the Republic of Poland, producing highly skilled specialists.

(7) IT Distance Education for Ukraine

The Government of Japan approved the allocation of $350,000 via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for "IT Distance Education in Ukraine" in January 2004. This project is designed to build a distance education system by drawing on successful experience acquired by the Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology. The first Executive Board Meeting of the project, held in July 2004, was devoted to selecting the colleges in Ukraine that would participate in the project.

(8) Privatization of railway sector

Within the framework of economic reform program, the Government of the Republic of Poland is engaged in privatization of the railway sector. JICA has provided the Government of the Republic of Poland with technical assistance for successful planning and implementation.

(9) Cooperation on the Kyoto Protocol

The Governments of the two countries reaffirmed their expectation for bilateral cooperation in joint implementation (JI) and emissions trading under the Kyoto Protocol. In this connection, the Government of Japan plans to organize a workshop to discuss the possibility for cooperation in this field and invite senior officials of the governments of the Central and South Eastern European countries including the Republic of Poland in February 2005.

3. Cultural dimension and People-to-people exchange

(1) 2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges

Many cultural and exchange events are scheduled within the framework of the "2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges," including a Japanese Classical Theatre Teaching Program at the State Theatre Academy in Warsaw and a performance by Miyazawa-Sick Band in Wroclaw and Przemysl. The Polish organizing committee - comprising prominent personalities from various organizations and professional communities - was established in Warsaw to coordinate the 2005 EU-Japan Year.

(2) Polish Science Forum

A Polish Science Forum was held in Tokyo in April 2004, providing a unique opportunity for exchanges in the area of science.

(3) 2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan

The Governments of the two countries expressed their hope that the pavilion of the Republic of Poland at the "2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan," - highlighting Frederic Chopin and the Wieliczka Salt Mine - as well as the presentation of Polish culture in Japan during the period of the Exposition, would contribute significantly to enhancement of the mutual understanding and mutual visits between people of the two countries.

(4) Polish National Tourist Office in Tokyo

The Polish side established the Polish National Tourist Office in Tokyo in September 2004 in order to promote Polish tourism for Japanese people.

(5) Center of Japanese Art and Technology

The Center of Japanese Art and Technology in Cracow has been expanding its activities to introduce Japanese traditional art and culture as well as contemporary technology to Polish people. The tenth Anniversary of the Center was celebrated in November 2004 in the presence of many distinguished guests, and the Japanese language school attached to the Center was opened at the same time. In this regard, a Japanese language teacher will be dispatched by the Japan Foundation in order to assist the activities of the language school. The Center will establish a permanent exhibition of advanced Japanese technology with the sponsorship of Japanese companies.

1.	Political dimension and international issues of mutual interest
	(1)	Iraq
		-	The Governments of the two countries support the people of Iraq and the Iraqi Interim Government in their efforts to achieve social and economic reconstruction of Iraq in the framework of the implementation of United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 1546 (2004).
		-	To this end, a Polish military contingent which forms part of the multinational forces in Iraq has been deployed. The Government of Japan has also dispatched units of the Self Defense Forces to Iraq for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, and recently decided to extend the activities for another year.
		-	The Governments of the two countries are working for the reconstruction of Iraq. In the central-southern part of Iraq, while the Polish-led Multinational Division contributes to the stabilization of that part of the country, the Government of Japan is financing projects for the reconstruction, such as rehabilitation of hospitals and a thermal power station.
		-	The Governments of the two countries commit themselves to supporting the political process in Iraq, including holding of the elections planned on 30 January 2005.
	(2)	UN reform
		The Governments of the two countries commend the efforts of the members of the High-level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change in drafting their report. The recommendations contained in the report provide a comprehensive, strategic review of the present basic values, principles, and rules, which constitute the very foundation of the United Nations, and propose a new security consensus, which is concordant, to a great extent, with the concept of a New Political Act for the United Nations, proposed by the Polish Foreign Minister in 2002. Both sides reiterated the need to expand the Security Council in both the permanent and non-permanent member categories, in order to enhance its effectiveness and credibility. In this context, the Polish side reiterated its support for Japan's aspirations to become a permanent member of the Security Council. Both sides are ready to further cooperate in promoting the reform of the UN system before the Summit in September 2005.
	(3)	Non-proliferation of WMD and their means of delivery
		-	Both Japan and the Republic of Poland will further develop bilateral cooperation in the sphere of non-proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) and their means of delivery at the expert level. The Governments of the two countries strongly support UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), and take a lead in ensuring its full implementation.
		-	They also reiterate their strong commitment to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) (Cracow Initiative) and the Statement of Interdiction Principles. There has been successful cooperation among the participants of the PSI, in which the Governments of the two countries have been actively participating since its inception. The PSI's first Anniversary Meeting, to which the Government of Japan sent a high-level delegation, was hosted by the Government of the Republic of Poland in Cracow in May 2004. In April 2004, the Government of the Republic of Poland hosted the PSI exercise "Safe Borders," and in October 2004, the Government of Japan hosted the PSI exercise "Team Samurai 04."
		-	Both sides will continue cooperation in the G8 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Destruction, and work together to expand its partnership.
	(4)	Ukraine
		The Governments of the two countries welcomed the election of the new President and progress made in its democracy. The Japanese side commended the role of the Republic of Poland, especially of President Aleksander Kwa?niewski as mediator, in the process of breaking the political stalemate in Ukraine. Both sides will continue to work together to assist Ukraine's efforts for its further democratization and transition to market economy.
	(5)	Visit to Japan of Polish Foreign Minister
		The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland expressed his willingness to participate in the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) 7th Foreign Minister's Meeting that will be held in Kyoto in May 2005, and to take part in the Polish Day during the "2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan."
	(6)	Bilateral consultations
		Three rounds of bilateral political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries were held in March 2004 in Warsaw, in April 2004 in Tokyo and in December 2004 in Tokyo - focusing on regional and global affairs as well as on the bilateral relationship.
	(7)	Visegrad Four and Japan (V4 + 1) cooperation
		The V4+1 Coordinators' meeting was held in March 2004 in Bratislava. A Security Policy Workshop within the V4+1 framework was held in March 2004 in Tokyo.
2.	Economic dimension
	(1)	EU accession
		The accession of the Republic of Poland to the European Union (EU) in May 2004 created more favorable conditions for the growth of investments and trade between the two countries.
	(2)	Cooperation with PAIiIZ
		The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) sent an expert on investment and trade to the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency (PAIiIZ) in April 2004, to help further improve the investment environment in the Republic of Poland. The Government of the Republic of Poland is working towards dispatching a PAIiIZ representative to Japan, to further encourage Japanese investments in the Republic of Poland.
	(3)	Driving permit
		Mutual exemption from the examination of driving permit was agreed between the Governments of the two countries in April 2004, which is expected to improve the business environment and facilities for companies operating in both countries.
	(4)	Cooperation in development assistance
		The Government of Japan has been assisting the Government of the Republic of Poland in implementing its assistance for third countries, utilizing the facilities established through Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the Republic of Poland for training specialists from those countries. The Government of Japan is ready to share with the Government of the Republic of Poland its experience in development assistance in order to enhance the Government of the Republic of Poland's capacity as a new donor.
	(5)	Poland-Japan Energy Conservation Technology Centre
		The technical cooperation project for "The Poland-Japan Energy Conservation Technology Centre" to promote development of technology for energy conservation has started in July 2004 with a scheduled term of four years.
	(6)	Polish-Japanese Institute on Information Technology
		The Polish-Japanese Institute on Information Technology in Warsaw, established with Japanese technical cooperation, marked its tenth anniversary in October 2004. It has become one of the most renowned institutes in the Republic of Poland, producing highly skilled specialists.
	(7)	IT Distance Education for Ukraine
		The Government of Japan approved the allocation of $350,000 via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for "IT Distance Education in Ukraine" in January 2004. This project is designed to build a distance education system by drawing on successful experience acquired by the Polish-Japanese Institute of Information Technology. The first Executive Board Meeting of the project, held in July 2004, was devoted to selecting the colleges in Ukraine that would participate in the project.
	(8)	Privatization of railway sector
		Within the framework of economic reform program, the Government of the Republic of Poland is engaged in privatization of the railway sector. JICA has provided the Government of the Republic of Poland with technical assistance for successful planning and implementation.
	(9)	Cooperation on the Kyoto Protocol
		The Governments of the two countries reaffirmed their expectation for bilateral cooperation in joint implementation (JI) and emissions trading under the Kyoto Protocol. In this connection, the Government of Japan plans to organize a workshop to discuss the possibility for cooperation in this field and invite senior officials of the governments of the Central and South Eastern European countries including the Republic of Poland in February 2005.
3.	Cultural dimension and People-to-people exchange
	(1)	2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges
		Many cultural and exchange events are scheduled within the framework of the "2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges," including a Japanese Classical Theatre Teaching Program at the State Theatre Academy in Warsaw and a performance by Miyazawa-Sick Band in Wroclaw and Przemysl. The Polish organizing committee - comprising prominent personalities from various organizations and professional communities - was established in Warsaw to coordinate the 2005 EU-Japan Year.
	(2)	Polish Science Forum
		A Polish Science Forum was held in Tokyo in April 2004, providing a unique opportunity for exchanges in the area of science.
	(3)	2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan
		The Governments of the two countries expressed their hope that the pavilion of the Republic of Poland at the "2005 World Exposition, Aichi, Japan," - highlighting Frederic Chopin and the Wieliczka Salt Mine - as well as the presentation of Polish culture in Japan during the period of the Exposition, would contribute significantly to enhancement of the mutual understanding and mutual visits between people of the two countries.
	(4)	Polish National Tourist Office in Tokyo
		The Polish side established the Polish National Tourist Office in Tokyo in September 2004 in order to promote Polish tourism for Japanese people.
	(5)	Center of Japanese Art and Technology
		The Center of Japanese Art and Technology in Cracow has been expanding its activities to introduce Japanese traditional art and culture as well as contemporary technology to Polish people. The tenth Anniversary of the Center was celebrated in November 2004 in the presence of many distinguished guests, and the Japanese language school attached to the Center was opened at the same time. In this regard, a Japanese language teacher will be dispatched by the Japan Foundation in order to assist the activities of the language school. The Center will establish a permanent exhibition of advanced Japanese technology with the sponsorship of Japanese companies.