[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Tuesday, Oct 6, 2015]
Japan-Sri Lanka Summit Meeting
On October 6, commencing at 6:00 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with Hon. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, who paid an Official Visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
Following the summit meeting, the two leaders announced a “Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Partnership between Japan and Sri Lanka.” (English (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103273.pdf)) (Japanese (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103258.pdf)) Additionally, a signing ceremony was held under the presence of the two leaders for the “Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project (Phase 2)” yen loan (45,428,000,000 yen).
1. Opening Remarks
(1) Prime Minister Abe welcomed this first visit to Japan in approximately 7 years, and offered his congratulations on the emergence of the new administration on the results of Sri Lanka’s free and fair democratic presidential election earlier in January and the general election in August . In response, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe offered his gratitude for the invitation to visit, noted that the friendship have been developed by the two countries since World War II, and expressed his hope to strengthen the comprehensive relationship between the two countries in the future by first strengthening the economic relationship through trade and investment, etc.
(2) The two leaders shared the views that the two countries will elevate to “Comprehensive Partnership” on top of their friendship, and discussed three specific initiatives in (i) Promotion of Investment and Trade, (ii) Cooperation on the National Development Plan in Sri Lanka, and (iii) National Reconciliation and Peacebuilding.
2. Political, Maritime Cooperation
(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that Sri Lanka shares fundamental values with Japan such as democracy and the rule of law, and hoped for further cooperation between the two countries and in the international arena. Prime Minister Abe expressed his hope to hold high level dialogue at the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs this year and explained about Japan’s “Legislation for Peace and Security.” Additionally, Prime Minister Abe stated his welcome over progress in the survey with a view to providing patrol vessels as well as acceptance of Maritime Self Defense Forces in ports and human resource development.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed his agreement of Prime Minister Abe’s thoughts, appreciated Japan’s initiatives for peace, and explained his hope to proceed with dialogue on various issues, and stated that Sri Lanka would like to proceed with cooperation concerning maritime safety as ocean plays an important role for Japan and Sri Lanka, and that comprehensive cooperation with Japan is important for promoting initiatives toward the challenges that Sri Lanka is facing.
3. The Economy and Economic Cooperation
(1) Prime Minister Abe mentioned that he takes note of Sri Lanka’s economic potential and expects an increasing trend in trade and investment expansion as a result of the visit to Japan by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. He expressed his intention to hold economic dialogue between two governments at an early stage and explained that provision of a total of the approximately 45 billion yen loan was determined for the enlargement of Bandaranaike International Airport. He also stated that Japan would like to help with Sri Lanka’s infrastructure development in the future as well under a “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure.”
(2) In response, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed his hope to deepen dialogue on the economic field between Japan and Sri Lanka, explaining that Sri Lanka occupies an important position amidst Asia’s value chain, that Sri Lanka would like to spur expansion of trade and investment from Japan, and in regard to this point expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Abe for the proposed initiatives in the three fields under the joint declaration.
(1) Prime Minister Wickremesinghe declared the new government’s commitment towards national reconciliation and peace building and expressed his desire for Japan’s support and cooperation in new nation building, particularly with regard to reconstruction and development in the northeastern region of the country which has been affected by the recent conflict.
(2) In response to this, Prime Minister Abe highly valued the fact that the new administration of Sri Lanka encourages confidence building both within and outside the country, and mentioned that Japan, as a friend of Sri Lanka, would continue to support Sri Lanka’s own efforts at peace building and national reconciliation.
5. Cooperation in Regional Affairs, International Arena
The two leaders exchanged views onthe UN Security Council and East Asian regional affairs.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Monday, Oct 5, 2015]
Meeting of Prime Minister Abe and French Prime Minister Valls
On October 5, commencing at 5:50 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office with H.E. Mr. Manuel Valls, Prime Minister of the French Republic on the occasion of his visit to Japan. The overview is as follows.
This meeting between Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Valls (http://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/we/fr/page4e_000331.html) followed a dinner that took place at the Kyoto State Guest House on October 3. On the occasion of this meeting, the (1) “Joint Declaration on Innovation by the Governments of Japan and France” (French (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103132.pdf)) (Japanese (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103048.pdf)) and (2) “Japan-France Plan for Sustainable Development, Health and Security in Africa” (French (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103135.pdf)) (Japanese (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103048.pdf)) were issued.
1. Opening remarks
Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Valls on his first visit to Japan, and expressed his condolences over the flood damage that occurred on the outskirts of Nice in Southern France. In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that ever since the “exceptional partnership”(French (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000006209.pdf)) (Japanese (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000006048.pdf)) between Japan and France was confirmed when H.E. Mr. Francois Hollande, President of the French Republic, visited Japan in 2013, high-level exchanges such as Prime Minister Abe’s visit to France last year (http://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/we/fr/page22e_000369.html) and this visit to Japan by Prime Minister Valls had been realized, and he highly appreciated that the bilateral relationship is advancing steadily. In response, Prime Minister Valls expressed his gratitude for the welcome he received from Prime Minister Abe in Kyoto and Tokyo, and thanked him for his condolences over the flood damage. Prime Minister Valls also expressed his condolences over the murder of a Japanese citizen in Bangladesh.
Additionally, Prime Minister Valls stated that he hopes to deepen cooperation in all fields, including culture, education and research, language study and sports, including the Olympics and rugby. The two leaders affirmed that they will promote cooperation between Japan and France in a broad range of fields.
2. Bilateral relations
Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Valls shared the view that they will further strengthen the relationship of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the three areas of innovation, nuclear energy cooperation, and cooperation in Africa.
(1) Japan-France Innovation Year
The two leaders welcomed the launch of the Japan-France Innovation Year, and shared the view that they will advance concrete cooperation in a variety of fields, and expand industrial cooperation and bidirectional investment.
Joint Declaration on Innovation by the Governments of Japan and France (French (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103132.pdf)) (Japanese (PDF ttp://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103048.pdf))
Event List (French (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103133.pdf)) (Japanese (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103049.pdf))
(2) Nuclear energy cooperation
Prime Minister Abe appreciated that it was affirmed that close cooperation, including partnership in third-party countries, will be maintained between Japan and France, while ensuring the improvement of nuclear safety and nuclear non-proliferation at the meeting on nuclear energy cooperation that was held ahead of this meeting. Additionally, Prime Minister Valls stated that he hopes to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries in the nuclear power field as well.
Press Releases (French (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103120.pdf) / Japanese (PDF)Open a New Window )
Fact Sheet (French (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103130.pdf)) (Japanese (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103129.pdf))
(3) Cooperation in Africa
Prime Minister Abe mentioned the release of the Japan-France Cooperation Plan, and expressed his intention to strengthen Japan-France cooperation in Africa in such fields as urban development, health and improvements of public order. Prime Minister Valls stated that the Japan-France Cooperation Plan is extremely important, and indicated that cooperating in Africa will also contribute to future efforts to address refugee issues.
Japan-France Plan for Sustainable Development, Health and Security in Africa (French (PDF)Open a New Window / Japanese (PDF)Open a New Window )
Appendix (French (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000103135.pdf)) (Japanese (PDF http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/000103051.pdf))
3. Security
Prime Minister Abe explained that the Legislation for Peace and Security had been approved in Japan, and he intends to further strengthen security cooperation with France. Prime Minister Valls replied that he welcomes that Japan is trying to take a more proactive role in realizing regional and global stability.
The two leaders shared the view that they will further strengthen cooperation between Japan and France in the security field, including defense equipment.
4. Counterterrorism, and the issue of refugees and migrants from the Middle East
Prime Minister Abe expressed his support for the fight against ISIL being waged by the international community, including France. Additionally, Prime Minister Abe explained that based on the spirit of “the best way is to go in the middle,” Japan will provide 26 million USD of new assistance to Iraq, Syria and neighboring countries.
The two leaders also discussed the issue of the refugees and migrants flowing into Europe from the Middle East and elsewhere. Prime Minister Abe expressed his solidarity with the responses being made by countries in Europe, and explained that Japan is strengthening its support for Syrian and Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons, and is implementing approximately 810 million USD of assistance this year. Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan will also coordinate with international organizations to provide 2.5 million USD of new assistance to countries neighboring the European Union (EU). Prime Minister Valls expressed his gratitude for Japan’s assistance.
5. Climate change and disaster reduction
Prime Minister Abe expressed his respect for France’s leadership as the chair country for the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21). The two leaders shared the view that they will work together for a successful COP21.
6. Ise-Shima G7 Summit
Prime Minister Abe requested the cooperation of France so that the G7 members, which share fundamental values, will be able to deliver powerful messages at the Ise-Shima Summit in Japan. In response, Prime Minister Valls stated that he intends to cooperate by supporting Japan, which is the chair country.
7. Japan-EU relations
Prime Minister Abe explained that he will make every effort to pursue an agreement in principle on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) during this year. He also requested cooperation on early easing restrictions on importing food and other items from Japan, including those from Fukushima Prefecture.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Monday, Sep 28, 2015]
Prime Minister Abe Holds Summit Meeting with Iranian President
On September 28, commencing at 0:40 a.m. (11:40 a.m. on September 27, Eastern Standard Time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H. E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, at the United Nations Headquarters. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe expressed his condolences for the many Iranian victims of the accident which occurred on September 24 in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Abe then stated he was pleased to see President Rouhani again, welcomed the final agreement on the nuclear issue, and also expressed his respect for President Rouhani’s leadership. Moreover, Prime Minister Abe welcomed active high-level exchanges between the two countries, and stated that he would like to further enhance the bilateral relationship together. In response to the above, President Rouhani expressed his gratitude for the condolences for the victims of the accident in Makkah, and also expressed his gratitude for his fourth meeting with Prime Minister Abe.
2. Concerning the Iranian nuclear issue, President Rouhani stated that since the final agreement had been reached, he would like to expand various cooperation in the future. In response, Prime Minister Abe stated that steady implementation of the final agreement on the nuclear issue is important, and he expects cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Prime Minister Abe added that the Government of Japan would like to play its roles proactively in the implementation process.
3. Concerning the bilateral relations, President Rouhani stated that he would like to newly expand cooperation in areas such as transportation and traffic, environment, culture, and academic fields and student exchanges, as well as in the field of medicine and medical equipment, in addition to past cooperation in the field of energy. President Rouhani also stated that for such expansion of cooperation to take place, he would like Japanese banks to cooperate in transactions.
In response to the above, Prime Minister Abe stated he would like to make efforts for further expanding cooperation in the fields of environment and medical treatment, and for the significant expansion of the economic relationship. Concerning the economic relationship in particular, Prime Minister Abe stated that both the Japanese public and private sectors would make efforts to advance Japanese enterprises into Iran to contribute to the country’s development while welcoming confirmation by Mr. Kentaro Sonoura, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of consultations to prepare the environment for the protection of activities by Japanese enterprises and negotiations for bilateral investment treaty (BIT), when he visited Iran in September. Moreover, Prime Minister Abe stated that he would like to expand cooperation in the fields of culture, intellectual exchanges, and student exchanges; and for this purpose would like to discuss cooperative relationships in various levels in the future. Regarding cooperation between banks of the two countries, Prime Minister Abe stated that no problems would remain between the two countries when sanctions are lifted, adding that although banks basically tend to be cautious about various issues, the Government of Japan would like to firmly signal that its relationship with Iran is changing.
4. Prime Minister Abe and President Rouhani also exchanged opinions on regional affairs. Prime Minister Abe stated that although the security environment in the Middle East is still severe, Iran, a regional power, can play a great role in such an environment.
5. Moreover, when Prime Minister Abe stated in the meeting that he would like to visit Iran at an appropriate time if circumstances allow, President Rouhani expressed his welcome.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Monday, Sep 28, 2015]
Japan-Qatar Summit Meeting
On September 27, commencing at 9:48 a.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a Japan-Qatar summit meeting with His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
Opening
Prime Minister Abe stated that he was pleased to meet H.H. Sheikh Tamim for the sixth time with the latest meeting being held in February this year in Japan. Prime Minister Abe added that it is pleasant that the Japan-Qatar relationship has deepened in various fields in recent years beyond the economic relationship under the “comprehensive partnership,” and that he intends to build a close cooperative relationship with Qatar in the future. In response to this, H.H. Sheikh Tamim stated that he is pleased with the fact that the bilateral relations in a wide range of fields including energy have been progress.
Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Abe stated the importance of a stable supply of LNG from Qatar and also stated his conviction that the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the State of Qatar for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income approved by the Diet in September will lead to promotion of economic activities. In response to this, H.H. Sheikh Tamim said that Japan is an important partner for Qatar and he would like to further strengthen relations in multitude of fields including security and defense in addition to the invigoration of investment between the two countries.
Regional Affairs
Prime Minister Abe and H.H. Sheikh Tamim also exchanged their opinions on regional affairs, including Yemen and ISIL. Prime Minister Abe conveyed that Japan will provide assistance such as nation building and human resources development to the Middle East, utilizing the strength of Japan under the spirit of “the best way is in the middle”. Prime Minister Abe also confirmed that the two countries will closely cooperate towards the stability of the region. Moreover, when Prime Minister Abe introduced the passage of the “Legislation for Peace and Security,” H.H. Sheikh Tamim offered his congratulation and expressed his strong welcome.
