Official Residence TOP
Official Residence Archives
Top > Speeches and Statements by Prime Minister


2005 Canada-Japan Agenda
For Peace and Security Cooperation


Peace and security is an area in which the Governments of Canada and Japan have made a considerable international contribution, and continue to share much in common in their foreign policy objectives, and therefore, have a potential for working more closely and more effectively. In their meeting today, Prime Minister Koizumi and Prime Minister Martin reaffirmed their commitment to continued joint efforts under the Action Agenda for Peace and Security Cooperation of 1999, and confirmed their determination to intensify bilateral cooperation and dialogue by sharing ideas and resources particularly in the following areas:
A) Responding to terrorism
The Governments of Canada and Japan share a keen interest in combating the threat of terrorism. Particularly following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, coordinated efforts to build capacity to counter terrorism have been a priority for both Governments. The Governments of Canada and Japan, recognizing the need to help build a wide range of capacities in countries of the Asia Pacific region to fight terrorism, will also strengthen cooperation in assisting them, in particular, to strengthen their legal frameworks and enhance law enforcement capacity to counter terrorism, to ensure transport security, and to better respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear terrorism. In addition to strengthening bilateral consultation and cooperation, both Governments will work to strengthen multilateral cooperation in the United Nations, G8, APEC and other fora. Both Governments underscore the importance of observing legal norms concerning human rights and refugees' rights in taking actions against terrorism.
B) Fighting transnational organized crime
Convinced of the need for an international response to transnational organized crimes, the Governments of Canada and Japan will further strengthen their coordinated efforts against these crimes. Both Governments welcome the entry into force of the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and resolve to contribute to the successful implementation of this landmark treaty, together with its protocols. Both Governments will continue their joint efforts in the fight against illicit drugs, including at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and through the work of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
C)Enhancing regional stability and human security
To facilitate their global partnership, both Governments will enhance policy dialogue in such areas as Afghanistan, the Middle-East Peace Process (MEPP), and human security. In Afghanistan, the Governments of Canada and Japan will explore the possibility of further cooperation in their peace-building efforts such as security sector reform and assistance to the government and relevant organizations. In the Middle-East Peace Process, the Governments of Canada and Japan recognize the importance of a just, fair and comprehensive resolution of the issue, and to this end, reaffirm their commitment to supporting the Palestinian Authority under its newly elected Raees, Mr. Abbas. Both Governments reaffirm their shared stake in a secure and stable Asia Pacific region, and confirm their determination to continue to work together in regional multilateral fora, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum, which make an important contribution to regional peace and stability. In addition to these regional issues, the Governments of Canada and Japan recognize the importance of a people-centered approach to foreign policy and reaffirm that human security is a major pillar in their foreign policies and a meaningful topic for further bilateral consultation and joint activity. Both Governments acknowledge the final report of the Commission on Human Security and will explore the coordination of approaches and activities on human security to protect and empower people threatened in their survival, livelihood and dignity. Both governments also acknowledge, in line with the recommendations on the responsibility to protect by the UN High Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, that the impact of internal conflict on the security of civilians presents a fundamental challenge to the system of collective security, one which requires an international response beyond traditional efforts to prevent inter-state war.
D)Advancing non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament (NACD) objectives
Given the threat posed to the world by the proliferation and excessive accumulation of arms, especially nuclear weapons and their means of delivery, small arms and light weapons (SALW), and landmines, the Governments of Canada and Japan will continue to work together to strengthen international non-proliferation and disarmament mechanisms through: 1) active efforts to assist states in acceding to, implementing, and complying with international NACD treaties; 2) support for the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency; 3) support for the establishment of robust national export control regimes in all states, especially in reference to conventional weapons including SALW; 4) participation in other multilateral efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery means, such as the G8 Sea Island Summit Action Plan on Non-Proliferation and the Proliferation Security Initiative; and 5) pursuit of a more comprehensive and effective implementation of the UN Programme of Action on SALW.
E)Increasing bilateral security and defence exchanges
Peacekeeping cooperation and other bilateral security and defence relations have grown steadily in recent years. Successful joint naval counter terrorism efforts in the Indian Ocean under Operation Enduring Freedom are indicative of the extent to which these relations have developed. In order to further facilitate bilateral security and defence relations, dialogues and exchanges between the experts of both Governments are essential. The Governments of Canada and Japan will seek to hold a Japan-Canada Peace and Security Symposium every year, which has so far been held every two years to complement the bilateral Political-Military Talks. Also, the Department of National Defence of Canada and the Japan Defense Agency will promote their defence relations through Military to Military Talks and other frameworks in order to enhance Canada Japan defence exchanges. Both Governments continue to increase their dialogue on peacekeeping and peace support issues with a view to identifying areas for enhanced cooperation in support of international peace support operations. Both Governments also reiterate their support for international efforts to build global peacekeeping capacity.
F) Enhancing the ability of the United Nations to deal with new threats
As partners in international organizations, the Governments of Canada and Japan will work together toward the early realization of UN reform, particularly reform of the Security Council, toward achieving substantial results at the Leaders Summit in September 2005. The Governments of Canada and Japan look forward to a successful, reform-driven, UN Summit in September 2005. Both Governments welcome the report of the High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change, as a major contribution to the international community's ongoing consideration of reforms needed to enable the UN to respond effectively to the challenges of the new century. Both Governments look forward to forthcoming reports by the Millennium Project and the Secretary-General and from other processes as essential elements to the reform process culminating in the Leaders' Summit in September 2005 and commit to active cooperation on the reform of all areas of UN activities - peace and security, development, and UN institutional reform.
G) Cooperating to achieve a comprehensive resolution of North Korea issues
Both Governments call for an early resumption of the Six Party Talks and urge North Korea to promptly come into compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and to fully implement its comprehensive safeguards agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Both Governments emphasize the need to achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, and will promote this end through all means at their disposal. The Government of Canada also supports efforts by the Japanese side to resolve the issue of abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea. The Governments of Canada and Japan urge North Korea to act in good faith and urgently to resolve this issue.