[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Monday, Jun 8, 2015]
Japan-Germany Summit Meeting
On Sunday, June 7, commencing at 6:00 p.m. (local time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who was visiting Elmau (Germany) to attend the G7 Summit, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
Chancellor Merkel stated that she was delighted to meet with Prime Minister Abe again and praised his meaningful contribution to the first session of the G7 Summit. In response, Prime Minister Abe stated that he was also delighted to meet Chancellor Merkel again in such a splendid venue and would like to praise her accomplishments as the chair of the G7 Summit, and that Japan, which will serve as the chair country after Germany next year, intends to cooperate even more closely with Germany, including to taking over the outcome of this year.
2. Situations in Ukraine and Russia
Prime Minister Abe expressed his visit to the Ukraine, which was made for the first time in the history as a Prime Minister of Japan, shows Japan’s active approach and intention toward resolving the situation in Ukraine as the next G7 chair country. On the other hand, Prime Minister Abe also gave an explanation on the relationship with Russia that there remains the Northern Territories issue between Japan and Russia, which has been unsolved for 70 years after WWII and it is necessary to hold direct dialogues between the leaders for the resolution of the issue. Chancellor Merkel stated that she was very grateful for Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Ukraine and thanked him for Japan’s tremendous support for that country. Chancellor Merkel also showed her support for Prime Minister Abe’s approach concerning the resolution of the territorial issue and added that Germany would be pleased if any one of the disputes in the world would be solved and it would cooperate with Japan for that purpose.
3. Chair of the Next G7 Summit
Chancellor Merkel explained that as the G7 chair country, Germany was addressing a number of issues, particularly with an awareness of women empowerment, and she hoped that Japan would take on the challenge of addressing these issues. Prime Minister Abe responded that as the next chair country, Japan intends to firmly take over these issues inherited from Chancellor Merkel, including the women empowerrment and anti-corruption, and hopes to continue to cooperate with Germany in the future.
4. Security Legislation
Prime Minister Abe thanked Chancellor Merkel for Germany’s understanding with regard to Japan’s Cabinet resolution on its “Security Legislation.” In response, Chancellor Merkel stated that Germany supports 100% Japan’s active contribution to peace in the international community.
5. Other
Prime Minister Abe explained that he intends to deepen relations between Japan’s and Germany’s small- and medium-sized enterprises of both countries, starting with the dispatch of Japan’s economic mission that is scheduled for next month. Both leaders also confirmed to cooperate toward the conclusion of the Japan-Europe Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) within the year.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Monday, Jun 8, 2015]
Japan-UK Summit Meeting
On June 8, commencing at 8:35 a.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who is currently visiting Elmau in the Federal Republic of Germany to participate in the G7 Summit, held a Japan-UK summit meeting with Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
(1) Prime Minister Abe expressed his congratulations on the victory of the Conservative Party in the general election which took place in the United Kingdom last month. He stated that with the realization of a single-party administration under the Conservative Party, the United Kingdom could contribute more proactively to the world; and that he intends to continue cooperating with Prime Minister Cameron to develop Japan-UK relations and resolve issues facing the international society.
(2) Prime Minister Cameron responded by commenting that he is looking forward to cooperation with Prime Minister Abe, a close friend; and conveyed his congratulations on the positive indicators ofthe Japanese economy announced today were positive. Prime Minister Cameron added that he looks forward to promoting the partnership between Japan and the United Kingdom.
2. Economy and Japan-EU Relations
(1) Prime Minister Cameron commented that the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would bring about a win-win relationship for both sides.
(2) Prime Minister Abe conveyed his gratitude for the support for the Japan-EU EPA by the United Kingdom and asked for its assistance for bringing about an agreement in principle on the EPA during this year, as well as the early conclusion of the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Prime Minister Abe also stated that for Japan, the United Kingdom is an investment destination that serves as the gateway to the European market; and added his expectation for Prime Minister Cameron’s leadership so that the United Kingdom will exert its influence in the EU.
(3) Prime Minister Cameron stated that he shares the views of Prime Minister Abe concerning the EPA, and that it is important to reach an agreement in principle during this year. Both leaders affirmed that they will cooperate toward an early conclusion. Furthermore, Prime Minister Cameron expressed his welcome on the investment from Japan, and remarked that the United Kingdom intends to play the role of promoting reforms in the EU.
3. Security
(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that the “Legislation for Peace and Security” currently being debated in the Diet, if enacted, will enlarge the room for cooperation with the United Kingdom. He commented that he hopes the United Kingdom, as a global player, will commit and play its role in the Asia-Pacific region, both in economy and security. Prime Minister Abe also stated that dialogues between Japan and the United Kingdom concerning security are particularly important, and he proposed an exchange of opinions between the relevant departments in charge of such matters.
(2) Prime Minister Cameron agreed to Prime Minister Abe’s proposal, stating that he expects receiving input from Japan concerning security in the Asia-Pacific region in particular. He also added cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom has a great potential.
4. Other issues
(1) Prime Minister Cameron stated he is looking forward to Japan serving as the chair of the G7 next year.
(2) Prime Minister Abe responded by appreciation for warm welcome he received when he visited the United Kingdom last year. He also expressed his expectation to meet Prime Minister Cameron in Japan as early as possible, bearing in mind that the next year’s summit will be held in Japan.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Monday, Jun 8, 2015]
Japan-France Summit Meeting
On June 7, commencing at shortly after 11:45 a.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Elmau, Germany, to participate in the G7 Summit, held a Japan-France Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Francois Hollande, President of the French Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Beginning
(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan-France relations have been developing steadily since President Hollande made a State Visit to Japan in 2013, and cooperation in the security and defense fields is steadily advancing in particular, including the second Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting held in Tokyo in March and the signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of France concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan welcomes France’s engagement with the Asia-Pacific, and intends to promote cooperation on Africa, climate change and the science and technology fields .
(2) In response, President Hollande expressed his happiness to meet again on the occasion of the G7, and acknowledged that Japan-France relations have been deepening since his visiteto Japan in 2013. President Hollande explained that Prime Minister Abe’s visit to France in May last year was an opportunity that further strengthened the “exceptional partnership” between Japan and France in the political and economic fields , and the relationship between the two countries in the field of security developed further as a result of the Japan-France Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting held in March. President Hollande also expressed his intention to cooperate in areas such as regional and global peace and stability, counterterrorism , Africa, as well as renewable energy.
2. Security and Regional Affairs
(1) Prime Minister Abe explained that if the Legislation for Peace and Security that is currently being debated in the Diet is enacted, the room for Japan to cooperate with France will increase, and he hopes to obtain support for Japan’s efforts. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe stated that land reclamation by China in the South China Sea is advancing rapidly, and expressed his hope to share concern regarding this point.
(2) In response, President Hollande mentioned that Japan is an important partner and colleague, and expressed his solidarity with its efforts. President Hollande shared Prime Minister Abe’s concern regarding the situation in the South China Sea, and stated that it will be important to resolve the situation through dialogue rather than force in order to preserve security and peace.
(3) In addition, with regard to the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Abe explained that he visited Ukraine and met with President Petro Poroshenko. Prime Minister Abe also expressed his support for France’s efforts on the Ukraine issue, and stated that it is important that all the parties concerned respect the Minsk Agreements. The Prime Minister also stated that it will be necessary to continue a dialogue with Russia while keeping pressure, and that he attaches importance to G7 solidarity. President Hollande replied that the compliance with the Minsk Agreements is the only path to resolving the issues, and that G7 solidarity is important. The President also explained that Russia’s presence is vital to resolving the issues surrounding Syria and Iran, and it will be important to maintain intergovernmental dialogues with Russia.
3. Climate Change
(1) President Hollande expressed his expectation over Japan’s contributions to the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and expressed his intention to discuss this issue at the G7 .
(2) Prime Minister Abe noted the importance of including developing countries in the new framework, and expressed his intention to work with France toward the adoption of a framework at COP21 in which all countries participate. Prime Minister Abe also expressed his hope to explain Japan’s thought on its target, which is as equally ambitious as other Parties’, at the G7 Summit.
4. Other
(1) Prime Minister Abe explained that at the Japan-European Union (EU) Summit held in Tokyo last week, the leaders shared the view that an agreement in principle should be reached on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) this year and the Japan EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) should be concluded promptly, and he requested continued support from France.
(2) President Hollande expressed his intention to send Prime Minister Manuel Valls to Japan in the fall, and Prime Minister Abe welcomed the idea.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Monday, Jun 8, 2015]
Japan-Italy Summit Meeting
On June 7, commencing at just after 6:30 p.m. (local time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who is currently visiting Elmau in the Federal Republic of Germany to participate in the G7 Summit, held a Japan-Italy summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Matteo Renzi, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
(1) Prime Minister Abe conveyed his congratulations on the opening of the Milan Expo, and stated he is glad that a number of people are visiting the Japan Pavilion. He also commented that he intends to significantly enhance bilateral relations through the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy next year; and to deepen collaboration between the two countries, utilizing Japan and Italy’s opportunities to serve as the G7 presidency holder next year and the year after next, respectively.
(2) President Renzi stated that Japan and Italy have many opportunities for cooperation, friendship, and moving toward the future. He added that it is delightful that the Japan Pavilion has been attracting the most visitors among the various pavilions at the Milan Expo; and that he hopes to deepen bilateral cooperation in the future particularly in areas such as food and lifestyle. President Renzi also commented that there are significant possibilities for cooperation between the two countries, when they will successively serve as holder of the G7 presidency next year and the year after.
2. Bilateral Relations
(1) Prime Minister Abe welcomed the fact that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of sister city relations between Kyoto and Florence; and the conclusion of the Agreement between Japan and Italy on Social Security was approved by the Italian Parliament. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe pointed out that large-scale investment has been contracted by Japanese companies, and stated that Japan will contribute to the development of the Italian economy making use of the knowledge of Japanese companies.
(2) President Renzi stated it is important that the way how Japan and Italy cooperate through combining their national systems. He remarked that the combination of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and TPP will further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.
3. Security and Regional Affairs
(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that the “Legislation for Peace and Security” currently being debated in the Diet, if enacted, will enlarge the room for cooperation with Italy on PKO, logistical support, and other activities. He praised Italy’s leadership aimed at ensuring security and stability in the Mediterranean region toward addressing such issues as refugees from North Africa, fight against terrorism.
(2) In regard to the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Abe commented that he is focusing on G7 solidarity to improve the situation, pointing out that it is important to keep pressure on Russia and a dialogue with Russia. President Renzi stated that he completely agreed with what had been said by Prime Minister Abe. Both leaders agreed that it is necessary to maintain G7 solidarity and unity with regard to Russia, and to encourage Ukraine to carry out reforms.
