[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Monday, Nov 10, 2014]
Japan-China Summit Meeting
On Monday, November 10, commencing at around 11:50 a.m. (12:50 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 25 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is visiting Beijing, China to attend the APEC Summit Meeting, held a Japan-China Summit Meeting with Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Repubklic of China. The outline of the meeting is as follows. (Japanese officials in attendance included Mr. Katsunobu Kato, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Shotaro Yachi, Secretary-General of the National Security Council’s Secretariat, and Mr. Masato Kitera, Ambassador of Japan to China. Chinese officials in attendance included Mr. Yang Jiechi, State Councilor).
Prior to entering the meeting room, when President Xi received Prime Minister Abe, Prime Minister Abe said he was glad to be able to meet in this way, and the two leaders shook hands.
1. At the beginning, President Xi welcomed Prime Minister Abe’s participation in Beijing APEC meeting this time, and asked Prime Minister Abe to make statement.
2. Prime Minister Abe’s main statements are as follows:
(1) In attending the APEC Summit Meeting, I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received from everyone in China, including President Xi. Japan attaches importance to APEC, and I would like to cooperate to the fullest extent with President Xi and contribute to the success of this APEC Summit Meeting a success.
(2) This is my first official meeting with President Xi, but I hope to use this as an opportunity to work with President Xi to try to improve Japan-China relations.
(3) Since being appointed, President Xi has been boldly engaging in domestic economic reforms and other initiatives, and is exercising powerful leadership. I am striving to restore vitality to Japan’s economy and society.
(4) The peaceful development of China brings a favorable opportunity for the international community and Japan. I want to utilize that favorable opportunity, and cooperate as the world’s second- and third-largest economies in order to fulfill both countries’ responsibility for the peace and prosperity in the region and international community.
(5) Japan will continue to adhere to the course that it has taken to date as a peace-loving nation, and further contribute to peace and stability in the world, as a 'Proactive Contributor to Peace' based on the principle of international cooperation.
(6) My views on Japan-China relations are completely unchanged from the time when I visited China in October 2006. Based on the four items of common ground that were announced recently, now is the very time when we should return to the starting point and rebuild the concept of the “Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests”.
(7) Japan and China are neighboring countries that face individual problems, but we should prevent those problems from damaging the overall relationship. Japan’s specific concerns have already been conveyed at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. I by all means hope you will respond positively.
(8) Together with President Xi, I would like to seek a right approach to Japan-China relations in the 21st century from a comprehensive and long-term perspective. I believe it is important to cooperate mutually at various levels on four points: (ⅰ) Promoting mutual understanding between citizens; (ⅱ) Further deepening economic relations; (ⅲ) Cooperation in the East China Sea; and (ⅳ) Stabilizing security environment in East Asia.
(9) In particular, by promoting dialogue and cooperation in the field of security, including an early implementation of a maritime communication mechanism between the defense authorities of the two countries, I would like to remove the potential for mutual distrust, and together contribute to the peace and stability in the region and international community.
(10) Last month I appreciated the Chinese ballet performance “Toki (Crested Ibis).” Such a cultural exchanges is important and I would like to promote them further.
In addition, Prime Minister Abe said that Japan and China should cooperate in dealing with mutual challenges facing the region and international community, and very briefly touched on the North Korea situation and measures to counter the Ebola virus disease.
3. In response, President Xi’s main statements are as follows:
(1) Based on the four basic documents between Japan and China and the recent four items of common ground, I would like to develop Japan-China relations in line with the concept of “Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests”.
(2) I attach importance to the statement from the Japanese side that China’s peaceful development is an opportunity. I hope that Japan will squarely face the history issue and continue to follow the path of a peaceful nation.
(3) This meeting is a step forward to improve bilateral relations. From now on I would like to steadily move ahead with improving relations at various levels. In addition, I would like to advance cooperation in APEC.
(4) An agreement has already been reached on a maritime crisis management mechanism, and I would like to see continued communication at the working level.
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office 
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Monday, Nov 10, 2014]
Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting
On November 10, for approximately 30 minutes commencing at around 9:25 a.m. (local time), Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Indonesia summit meeting with H. E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during his visit to Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, to attend the APEC Summit Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
1. Bilateral relations
(1) Confirmation of the further enhancement of bilateral relations
Prime Minister Abe congratulated President Joko on his inauguration and stated that Japan highly valued relations with Indonesia as a strategic partner of Japan. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe expressed his intention to closely cooperate with President Joko to ensure that Japan, as a maritime nation like Indonesia, can contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region. In response, President Joko expressed his intention to further develop Indonesia’s close relations with Japan, and the two leaders shared the view that Japan and Indonesia should further enhance their bilateral relations under the new Indonesian government.
(2) Maritime cooperation
Stressing the importance of keeping Asia’s sea open, free and peaceful, Prime Minister Abe expressed his intention to support President Joko’s proactive approach toward maritime issues and also stated that Japan was making contributions to this end through “the three principles of rule of law at sea”. In response, President Joko explained his vision for Indonesia as a maritime nation and expressed his recognition that rule of law at sea was important.
Moreover, President Joko expressed his assent for Prime Minister Abe’s suggestion that Japan and Indonesia should establish working-level consultations to formulate maritime cooperation initiatives between the two countries, including the preparation of ports and harbors, improvement of maritime security capacity, and promotion of the fishery industry, and the two leaders shared the view that Japan and Indonesia should start working-level consultations for formulating cooperative initiatives in the maritime field.
(3) Politics and security
With regard to Japan’s security policies, Prime Minister Abe explained Japan’s security policies stating that Japan has been promoting initiatives of “proactive contribution to peace” based on the principle of international cooperation. President Joko explained that Indonesia was also contributing to global peace through its participation in peace-keeping operations.
(4) Economy and economic cooperation
Prime Minister Abe stated that he would support Japanese enterprises’ advancement into Indonesia to further deepen win-win economic relations. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe stated that the establishment of the appropriate investment environment in Indonesia, such as the development of the necessary infrastructure, would be crucial for increasing investment, and that Japan would cooperate with Indonesia through high-quality infrastructure development such as ports and harbors, urban transportation, and power plants, including in the Metropolitan Priority Areas for Investment and Industry (MPA) in the JABODETABEK Area. In response, President Joko expressed his high hopes that Japan would increase its investment and cooperation in infrastructure development.
The two leaders also exchanged views on economic concerns. Prime Minister Abe conveyed his intention to resolve any economic concerns, including those posed by the new mining law, based on the overall perspective of mutually beneficial relations.
2. Regional affairs and other issues
(1) Concerning the issues surrounding the South China Sea, Prime Minister Abe stressed the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the issue, based on the “rule of law,” as well as the need for ASEAN to respond as one, including discussion on the code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. Moreover, Prime Minister Abe stated that he was aware that President Joko had expressed his intention to serve as a broker on this issue and said that he would support the efforts by Indonesia. President Joko stated that Indonesia would fulfill the role of an “honest broker” with regard to the issues surrounding the South China Sea.
(2) Prime Minister Abe stated the importance of United Nations (UN) Security Council reform, in view of the 70th anniversary of the UN establishment. In response, President Joko stated that he shared the recognition that the UN reform was important.
(3) Prime Minister Abe requested that President Joko visit Japan at an early date, to which President Joko expressed his gratitude and also his intention to do so.
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Sunday, Nov 9, 2014]
Japan-Canada Summit Meeting
On November 9, commencing at 2:10 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Canada summit meeting with the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, during his visit to Beijing. The overview of the meeting is as follows:
1. Japan-Canada relations
(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that he was deeply shocked by the shooting in Ottawa and strongly condemned the act. Prime Minister Abe also expressed his deep condolences to the victims of the tragedy and their families. In addition, Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for the kind message from Prime Minister Harper in the wake of the eruption of Mt. Ontake. In response to this, Prime Minister Harper expressed his condolences to the victims of the eruption of Mt. Ontake and also expressed his appreciation for the solidarity between Japan and Canada shown in the wake of the shooting in Ottawa.
(2) Prime Minister Abe expressed his hope that Japan and Canada would continue to explore the possibility of wide range of cooperation in the field of security. Moreover, Prime Minister Abe hoped that the development of export-related infrastructure in Canada and other necessary preparations would be rapidly advanced, especially for the achievement of the early realization of reasonably priced and stable imports of liquefied natural gas.
2. Ebola virus disease
Prime Minister Abe stated that the Ebola virus disease is an issue that the international community should tackle as one and stressed the importance of not isolating any of the countries in which an outbreak has occurred. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan would provide further support of up to 100 million U.S. dollars, in addition to the support that Japan has extended thus far. In response to this, Prime Minister Harper introduced Canada’s efforts to address the issue and the two leaders shared the view that they would continue to exchange opinions toward resolving the issue.
3. TPP
Concerning the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, the two leaders shared the view on the importance of confirming political will towards the conclusion of negotiations at the TPP Summit Meeting scheduled for the following day (November 10th).
4. China
Prime Minister Abe explained the recent situation of Japan-China relations. Prime Minister Harper found it positive and appreciated it.
5. Other issues
In addition to the above, the two leaders exchanged views on such issues as regional situations and the economic conditions of the two countries.
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs] [Sunday, Nov 9, 2014]
Japan-Russia Summit Meeting
On November 9, commencing at 9:30 p.m. (Beijing time) for approximately 90 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting with Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation in Beijing during his visit to attend the APEC Summit Meeting. (The meeting included an approximately 10-minute exchange between the leaders only at the end). With the first term of the Abe Administration, this was the 10th meeting between them. It was the first time since the summit meeting held in Sochi in February that the two leaders had met with sufficient time. They held discussions in a relaxed atmosphere and their personal relationship of trust was maintained and reconfirmed.
1. Opening remarks
At the beginning of the meeting, President Putin mentioned that he attended a martial arts demonstration in Moscow by a Japanese martial arts delegation , and conveyed his gratitude for the dispatch of the delegation. Additionally, he told martial arts were a major component of Japanese culture, and Japanese culture was the best foundation for developing bilateral relations, which had been advancing extremely favorably in the economic and political fields in recent years. President Putin also mentioned that in the political field he was thinking of the resumption of negotiations on concluding a peace treaty. He added he was glad to jointly analyze all aspects of the cooperative relations between Japan and Russiawith Prime Minister Abe during the APEC Summit Meeting.
In response, Prime Minister Abe said he was happy to see the President following the meeting on the margins of the ASEM, and said including his first Administration this is their 10th meeting. Prime Minister Abe also thanked President Putin for attending the martial arts demonstration by the Japanese martial arts delegation, and said President Putin’s understanding of judo, as a judo player, and understanding of Japan was important to the development of Japan-Russia relations. Prime Minister Abe mentioned that he was eager to exchange views on Japan-Russia relations overall and the international situation with enough time.
2. Political schedule
The two leaders shared the view that they would start preparations for a visit to Japan by President Putin at an appropriate time next year. In preparation for the visit, it was decided that foreign vice-minister-level consultations and other dialogues would be held, and a visit to Russia by Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, would continue to be considered.
3. Issue of concluding a peace treaty
Prime Minister Abe expressed his views on how to proceed the negotiations on concluding a peace treaty , centering on moving ahead based on the joint statement (PDF) of April 2013, and exchanged views frankly with President Putin.
4. Cooperation in various fields
The two leaders confirmed that practical cooperation between Japan and Russia had been advancing since the Japan-Russia summit meeting held in Sochi in February. It was pointed out that in the economic relations , cooperative projects were being carried out in the fields such as urban environments and Far East agriculture, for example. And in cultural and sports exchanges, the Japanese martial arts delegation was currently visiting Moscow as a centerpiece event of the Japan-Russia Martial Arts Exchange Year, and in addition, next week the World SAMBO Championships would be held in Japan.
5. International situation
(1) Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Abe expressed grave concern that the so-called “election” held by separatists in Eastern Ukraine was complicating the situation, and strongly called on Russia to play a constructive role in the complete fulfillment of the ceasefire agreement and in improving the situation. In response, President Putin explained the Russian side’s position.
(2) In addition, the two leaders frankly exchanged the views on the fight against terrorism, including the ISIL problem, and the situation in Asia including North Korea.
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office 
Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office