[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Sunday, Nov 15, 2015]
Japan-EU Summit Meeting
On November 15, commencing at 11:30 a.m. (local time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who is currently visiting Antalya, held a meeting with H.E. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, at a site of the G20 Antalya Summit. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. At the beginning, Prime Minister Abe welcomed his second meeting with President Juncker this year following the Japan- EU Summit held in Tokyo in May. Prime Minister Abe expressed the view that the acts of terrorism in Paris are an assault against the common values that Japan and the EU share and uphold, and that the international community should unite in resolutely denouncing them. Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan intends to work closely with the EU on counterterrorism measures as well as to cooperate with the EU, its strategic partner, for the peace and stability of the international community.
In response, President Juncker welcomed the second meeting between the two leaders this year. President Juncker expressed the view that due to the terrorist attacks in Paris the atmosphere at this G20 summit differs from G20 summits thus far, and stated that the recent acts of terrorism represent an attack not only on the people of France, but on common values, and democracy needs to be firmly maintained.
2. With regard to Japan-EU relations, President Juncker explained that he attaches importance to the negotiations on the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) (http://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/ep/page22e_000707.html) and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) (http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/page6e_000013.html) with Japan, a strategic partner for the EU, and that there is a need to accelerate the negotiations. Prime Minister Abe replied that there has been certain progress, but still remain areas where further progress in the discussions is required. The two leaders shared the view that they would instruct their respective chief negotiators to accelerate the negotiations and continue to do their utmost efforts to reach agreement in principle this year, and, if not, to achieve such agreement at the earliest possible time in the course of next year.
3. In addition, Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan enacted its Legislation for Peace and Security in light of its policy of proactive contribution to peace based on the principle of international cooperation, and that Japan intends to continue further contributions to the peace and stability of the international community President Juncker stated that it is encouraging that Japan will serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) next year. President Juncker expressed the view that Japan is thoroughly fulfilling its role in the international arena and greatly welcomed the Legislation for Peace and Security as a demonstration in this regard. The two leaders also exchanged views on joint efforts to ensure the success of the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21), cooperation in the run-up to the G7 that Japan will chair next year as well as the situation in Asia and Ukraine.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Monday, Nov 16, 2015]
Japan-Germany Summit Meeting
On Monday, November 16, commencing at 12:40 p.m. (local time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Germany Summit Meeting with H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, during his visit to Antalya, the Republic of Turkey to attend the G20 Summit. The overview is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
Prime Minister Abe expressed his condolences concerning the recent passing of former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt of the Federal Republic of Germany. He also stated that the series of terror attacks occurred in Paris are an assault against the values that Japan and Germany share, and that Japan stands with the international community in firmly condemning these attacks. The two leaders affirmed that they will cooperate closely as the handover of the Summit presidency approaches, and amid a variety of issues, including terrorism, the situation in Ukraine, mass influx of refugees and migrants, and the rule of law in the international community.
2. Situation in Ukraine
Prime Minister Abe expressed his great appreciation for Germany’s efforts to peacefully resolve the situation in Ukraine. Federal Chancellor Merkel stated that while international concern has been concentrated on the issue of Syria, the issue of Ukraine should not be neglected and it is important to resolve this issue in a peaceful manner. Federal Chancellor Merkel then expressed her intention to collaborate with Japan, the nextG7 chair country, regarding this issue.
3. Other Issues
Prime Minister Abe conveyed his respect regarding Germany’s initiatives related to mass influx of refugees and migrants, expressed Japan’s solidarity with Europe, and explained Japan’s support.
The two leaders exchanged opinions regarding the situation in East Asia. Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will vigorously advance its international contributions in the area of security, and that he intends to strengthen Japan-Germany and Japan-EU cooperation in this area. Federal Chancellor Merkel agreed, and stated that this is an excellent idea.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Tuesday, Nov 17, 2015]
Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Meeting
On November 16, commencing at 3:20 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Saudi Arabia Summit Meeting with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the G20 Antalya Summit. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1 Prime Minister Abe told King Salman that he has fond memories of His Majesty's visit to Tokyo in February last year, and is honored to meet this time with His Majesty, who was enthroned as the King. He also explained that Japan resolutely denounces the acts of terrorism in Paris, and intends to work on counter-terrorism in coordination with Saudi Arabia as well. In addition, he stated that Saudi Arabia, with whom Japan enjoys a robust economic relationships and is a stabilizing power in the region, is the most important country for Japan. The two sides shared the view that they will strengthen cooperation toward the stability of the Middle East region, including in the area of counter-terrorism.
2 Furthermore, the two sides exchanged views on the regional affairs, such as Syria and Iran. Prime Minister Abe explained that based on the concept of "the best way is to go in the middle," Japan will focus its attention on providing the support necessary to cultivate a moderate middle class and strengthen governance underpinned by an affluent society and economy. He stated that Japan will assume G7 chair next year and hopes to maintain close contact with Saudi Arabia, including at the high level. With regard to the situation in Syria, Prime Minister Abe appreciated Saudi Arabia's proactive contribution, including at the Vienna talks, and explained that he intends to coordinate closely and cooperate for the stability of the region. Additionally, he expressed the view that the agreement concerning the Iranian nuclear issue will contribute to the strengthening of the non-proliferation regime and to the stability of the Middle East region, and stated that the steady implementation of the agreement is important, and explained that he has strongly encouraged H. E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of Iran, and H. E. Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, Vice President of Iran, the steady implementation of the agreement. In response, King Salman explained that he intends to deepen the cooperative relationship with Japan on a variety of issues.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Friday, Nov 6, 2015]
Japan-Uruguay Summit Meeting
On November 6, commencing at 6:20 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Tabaré Ramón Vázquez Rosas, President of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, who is making a working visit to Japan. (Attending on the Uruguayan side were Mr. Rodolfo Gustavo Nin Novoa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Danilo Astori, Minister of Economics and Finance, and others. Attending on the Japanese side were Mr. Hiroshige Seko, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, and others). A joint press occasion took place following the summit meeting. The overview is as follows.
1. At the beginning of the summit meeting, Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Vázquez to Japan, and stated that Uruguay is a stable democratic country that traditionally adopts free and open policies, and is an important partner in South America.
2. In response, President Vázquez thanked Prime Minister Abe for the invitation to Japan, and expressed Uruguayan citizens’ gratitude for the friendly relationship Uruguay enjoys with Japan, which has spanned many years. President Vázquez also expressed his hope that a ban on importing fresh beef produced in Uruguay to Japan will be lifted promptly.
3. Bilateral Relations
(1) Prime Minister Abe emphasized Uruguay’s geographical importance as the distribution hub of the South American region, and expressed his expectation over support for Japanese companies setting up businesses in the country. The two leaders shared the view that they will work together to increase bilateral trade and investment.
(2) Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will further strengthen initiatives for global peace, stability and prosperity from the perspective of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation, and explained Japan’s Legislation for Peace and Security. In response, President Vázquez valued the consistent posture of Japan as peaceful nation during the last 70 years of post-war and its commitment for the world peace, including its further contribution to the UN PKO operations.
4. Cooperation in the International Arena
The two leaders expressed mutual congratulations on both countries serving as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at the same time, in 2016 and 2017, and shared the view that they will continue to work together on UNSC reform. President Vázquez mentioned that Uruguay will support Japan to be a permanent actor of the UNSC.
5. In addition, the two leaders exchanged views on diverse fields, such as the current international situation, including East Asia, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and environmental issues.
6. Following the meeting, the two leaders released a joint declaration in order to confirm that the historical and friendly relations that exist between the two countries will be strengthened further, including cooperation in a variety of fields such as politics, the economy and culture.
7. At a dinner held following the meeting, an exchange of views on a broad range of topics, including Japan-Uruguay relations, took place in a very relaxed atmosphere.
