On Friday, May 18, Mr. Yoshihiko Noda, the Prime Minister of Japan, who was on his visit to the United States for G8 Summit at Camp David, held a meeting with H. E. Mr. Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, and H. E. Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, from 6:30 pm (7:30 am, Saturday, May 19, Japan time) for approximately 45 minutes. An overview of the meeting is as follows:

1. Opening
   Prime Minister Noda expressed his gratitude to President Van Rompuy and President Barroso for the heartfelt joint statement on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and stated that reconstruction from the earthquake was proceeding steadily.
   
   
2. Japan-EU EPA
   Prime Minister Noda stressed the importance of a Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as it would contribute to economic growth of both parties, and worked on the EU toward the launch of negotiations at the Japan-EU Summit to be held this year. In response, President Barroso stated that although there was progress on the scoping exercise thanks to the leadership of Prime Minister Noda, several EU member states remained to express concerns about the launch of negotiations pointing out public procurement, such as railways, as a field of concerns.
   
   
3. European Sovereign Debt Crisis
   While mentioning supports from Japan such as the contribution on increasing of the IMF resources, Prime Minister Noda stated that recovery of the European economy was crucial for the stability and prosperity of the world. In response, President Van Rompuy and President Barroso expressed their gratitude for Japan's contribution towards stabilization of the European economy.
   
   
4. International Situations
   In addition to the above, the leaders exchanged opinions on Iran and North Korea. Regarding Iran, Japan and the EU shared serious concerns over the nuclear issue. Moreover, Prime Minister Noda stated that he expected an extension of the exceptions of insurance and reinsurance provision of the EU measures, concerning the transport of Iranian crude oil. Concerning North Korea, Prime Minister Noda stated that he would like to closely coordinate with the EU on issues such as nuclear development, missiles, and abduction of Japanese nationals. In response, President Van Rompuy replied that Japan and the EU share the same stance on this issue.