Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Friday, May 20, 2016]
Announcement on publication of the G7 Ise-Shima Progress Report
1. On Friday, May 20, on the occasion of the first meeting of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion Headquarters, the Government of Japan, as the G7 presidency this year, released the Ise-Shima Progress Report: G7 accountability on development and development-related commitments (see the attached summary). This Report reviewed the progress on the implementation of the commitments G7 has made. The Report highlights the important contribution that the G7 is making to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Ise-Shima Progress Report (PDF: http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000158338.pdf)
Ise-Shima Progress Report / Summay (PDF: http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000158339.pdf)
2. At the L’Aquila Summit in 2009 (http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/summit/2009/index.html), the G7 Leaders have agreed to publish a comprehensive accountability report every three years in order to review the progress made on our individual and collective development-related commitments. Comprehensive accountability reports were published in 2010 for the Muskoka Summit (http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/summit/2010/index.html) and in 2013 for the Lough Erne Summit (http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/page3e_000022.html). The Ise-Shima Progress Report was compiled as the third volume under Japan’s Presidency.
3. In the Report, 51 commitments from 2002 Kananaskis Summit to 2015 Elmau Summit are evaluated on a five-tier scale, covering the following 10 sectors: Aid and Aid Effectiveness, Economic Development, Health, Water and Sanitation, Food Security, Education, Equality, Governance, Peace and Security and Environment and Energy.
Annex 1 Executive Summary (PDF: http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000158367.pdf)
Annex 2 Summary of Commitment Scores (PDF: http://www.mofa.go.jp/files/000158369.pdf)
4. This report is prepared for the G7 Ise-Shima Summit.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Wednesday, May 18, 2016]
Joint Statement between Japan and the Republic of Ghana on the Occasion of the Official Working Visit to Japan by H.E. Mr. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
1. H.E. Mr. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, and Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama paid an Official Working Visit to Japan from 17 to 20 May 2016, at the invitation of the Government of Japan.
2. H.E. Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and President Mahama held a bilateral summit meeting in Tokyo on 18 May 2016. Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Mahama’s second visit as President since his last visit in May 2013. President Mahama offered his condolences to the victims of the Earthquake Centered in the Kumamoto Region of Kumamoto Prefecture 2016, and expressed his sympathies to the people in the affected areas. Both leaders showed their satisfaction with the development of their long-standing friendly and cooperative relations that has been nurtured between the two countries in both bilateral and multilateral contexts. They also confirmed their determination to further strengthen their ties and noted that the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations next year would be an excellent opportunity to do so.
3. Both leaders affirmed the importance of universal values, such as democracy and the rule of law. They also emphasised that they would strengthen dialogue and cooperation to ensure peace and stability of the international community while upholding the international system based on the rule of law. President Mahama welcomed Japan’s intention to contribute even more proactively in securing peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the international community, and supported Japan’s policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation as well as Legislation for Peace and Stability, which took effect in March this year as its concrete practice of that policy.
4. Prime Minister Abe highly commended Ghana’s long history of stable democracy, its achievement in economic growth and steady social improvements in recent years, as well as its active contribution to peace and stability in Africa and the rest of the world, and expressed his determination to continue supporting Ghana’s efforts. President Mahama expressed his gratitude for Japan’s long-standing assistance to Ghana’s socio-economic growth and stability.
5. Both leaders welcomed a recent increase in the activities of Japanese companies in Ghana, which is considered as one of the economic gateways to West Africa for the Japanese business community, and recognised the benefit of further enhancement of economic ties for both sides. In this regard, both leaders confirmed their willingness to accelerate and conclude at the earliest possible timing the ongoing negotiations of a bilateral investment treaty. Both leaders also shared the recognition of the importance of the conclusion of an avoidance of double taxation convention between Japan and Ghana to further enhance investment and economic exchanges between the two countries and decided to start consultations in this regard at the earliest possible timing.
6. Both leaders stressed the importance of quality infrastructure in Ghana and expressed their intention to promote Japan’s role in this regard, based on the outcome of the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) and with a view to further strengthening cooperation towards the next TICAD summit meeting. From this perspective, President Mahama expressed his sincere gratitude for Prime Minister Abe’s pledge today on the Construction of a New Bridge across the Volta River on the Eastern Corridor Project.
7. Both leaders emphasised the importance of promoting public health in line with universal health coverage, as prerequisite for Ghana’s human security and further growth. In this connection, both leaders welcomed today’s signing of the Exchange of Notes concerning the Project for the Construction of Advanced Research Center for Infectious Diseases at Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Both leaders also shared the view on the importance of supporting community-level efforts in the health sector. From this perspective, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the recent launching in Ghana of the revised policy of “Community-based Health Programme and Services (CHPS)”, and expressed his intention to continue supporting the implementation of Ghana’s CHPS policy.
8. Both leaders shared the beliefs that people-to-people exchanges are essential for mutual understanding and recognised the vital role of such exchanges, which date back to the days even before Ghana’s independence. In this regard, both leaders welcomed today’s signing of the Exchange of Notes concerning the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship. Both leaders also expressed their willingness to continue people-to-people exchanges through a variety of other programmes such as African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative), Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) training programmes and sports exchanges through “Sport for Tomorrow” Programme.
9. Both leaders welcomed that the next TICAD summit meeting would be held in August this year for the first time in Africa and confirmed their determination to strengthen their cooperation to make this meeting a success. Prime Minister Abe expressed his view that TICAD VI would be an important opportunity to support Africa’s development agenda, Agenda 2063, and that Japan would demonstrate concrete contributions which are distinctive to Japan, such as quality infrastructure investment and human resource development, promoting science, technology and innovations, strengthening Public-Private Partnership and engagement of the private sector, under the principle of human security. Prime Minister Abe also expressed his expectation for President Mahama’s contribution to TICAD VI. Responding to Prime Minister Abe’s invitation, President Mahama highly appreciated Japan’s contribution and stated that he would attend TICAD VI.
10. Both leaders shared the view that the United Nations Security Council does not fully reflect the realities of the international community in the 21st century, and expressed their determination to greatly enhance their cooperation towards its reform to increase its effectiveness, transparency and representativeness. They emphasised the importance of building upon the recent developments in the Intergovernmental Negotiations in New York and of moving the process forward, including through increased interactions and consultations. In particular, they shared the recognition on the necessity of holding a dialogue between the G4 (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan) and the African Union (AU). Both leaders urged all UN Member States to work in a concerted manner towards this end. They also expressed their intention to enhance their coordination on the issues facing the UN, as Japan currently serves as a member of the Security Council.
11. Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for Ghana’s consistent support to Japan’s efforts in disarmament and non-proliferation. Recognising the central role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in peaceful uses of nuclear energy, both leaders affirmed the importance of the continuity of the IAEA under the leadership of the Director General Mr. Yukiya Amano, and shared the intention on a continuous cooperation for the IAEA’s “Atoms for Peace and Development”.
12. Both leaders welcomed the adoption of the Paris Agreement by Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) and emphasised the importance of its prompt entry into force and effective implementation. They reaffirmed further cooperation in addressing climate change, including through their bilateral cooperation.
13. Both leaders shared the intention to strengthen their cooperation in addressing a wide range of global issues such as countering terrorism and violent extremism, as well as the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
14. President Mahama thanked Prime Minister Abe and the Government of Japan for their warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. President Mahama also wished Prime Minister Abe success of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Abe to visit Ghana at a date to be confirmed through diplomatic channels.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Thursday, May 5, 2016]
Japan-Germany Summit Meeting
On Wednesday, May 4, commencing at 5:45 p.m. (local time) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany at Schloss Meseberg (Germany’s official state guest house) located about 60 kilometers from Berlin and then held a working dinner commencing at 7:00 p.m. for approximately two hours. The overview from the meetings is as follows.
1. Opening remarks
(1) In her opening remarks, Federal Chancellor Merkel welcomed the visit by Prime Minister Abe to Germany and offered words of sympathy regarding the Earthquake centered in the Kumamoto Region (http://www.mofa.go.jp/ms/m_c/page24e_000146.html). She also commented that Germany hopes to advance cooperation between the two countries in the G7 framework aimed at achieving global peace and stability.
(2) Prime Minister Abe expressed his delight at visiting Germany for the third straight year and noted that Japan and Germany are global partners which share fundamental values and expressed his intent to make the G7 Ise-Shima Summit a success by cooperating with Federal Chancellor Merkel.
2. G7 Ise-Shima Summit
(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that the revitalization of the global economy requires accelerated structural reforms and flexible fiscal policies, and that he hopes to send a strong message as the G7 at the Ise-Shima Summit. As Federal Chancellor Merkel noted, he agreed that implementing structural reforms is the most important and asserted that he is also putting the most emphasis on the “third arrow” of Abenomics, explaining Japan’s domestic policies.
(2) Federal Chancellor Merkel acknowledged that she is not a front-runner for fiscal policies, but affirmed the importance of simultaneously implementing monetary policies, fiscal policies, and structural reforms, and particularly stressed the importance of stimulating private-sector investments. Furthermore, Federal Chancellor Merkel spoke out against high volatility of foreign exchange rates, and the two leaders concurred to cooperate on the stability of foreign exchange rates.
(3) The two leaders completely concurred on the importance of implementing structural reforms and fiscal policies in balanced manner and confirmed that the G7 will continue discussions on this topic among leaders after discussions amongst Sherpas, and finalize a message as the G7 at the Ise-Shima Summit.
(4) Prime Minister Abe explained that he hopes to discuss issues such as terrorism, the Middle East, Russia and Ukraine at the Ise-Shima Summit, and the two leaders confirmed the necessity for the G7, which shares universal values, to take the initiative in combating terrorism and violent extremism, the top priority issues for the international society.
3. Bilateral relations
(1) Prime Minister Abe commented that Japan and Germany are global partners which share fundamental values and have important roles to play in addressing the issues facing the international society as major leaders in Asia and Europe. In this context, the two leaders confirmed their intention to make the most of the formulation of Japan’s Legislation for Peace and Security, and contribute even more actively to the peace and security of the international society through Japan-Germany cooperation. They also agreed to continue dialogue at a meeting of Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry officials from the two countries scheduled next month and to launch cyber security consultation by the end of this year.
(2) Japan and Germany lead the world in science and technology, as well as innovation, and the two leaders welcomed the announcement last week of a joint statement by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy on IoT and Industrie 4.0. Additionally, Federal Chancellor Merkel invited Prime Minister Abe to attend next year’s CeBIT (an IT-related exhibition) and expressed her interest in having Japan participate as a partner country. Prime Minister Abe stated that he hopes to attend if circumstances permit.
(3) In addition, the two leaders welcomed the 50-year anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Dusseldorf and confirmed their intention to advance business collaboration among small- and medium-sized enterprises, and the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/page6e_000013.html).
(4) Prime Minister Abe told Federal Chancellor Merkel that Japan would like to invite H.E. Mr. Joachim Gauck, Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany, to Japan in order to further strengthen the close relationship between Japan and Germany, and Federal Chancellor Merkel commented that President Gauck is highly interested in Japan and is excited to visit Japan.
(5) The two leaders confirmed that the Japanese-German Center Berlin and Japan-Germany Forum are important tools for people-to-people and knowledge-related interaction, and agreed to continue active utilization.
4. Regional situations
(1) The two leaders broadly discussed regional situations, such as Ukraine, East Asia, the Middle East, and the refugee crisis, and conducted in-depth opinion exchanges.
(2) Regarding situations in East Asia, the two leaders agreed that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force pose a challenge to the international order based on the universal value of the rule of law, and cannot be accepted. Additionally, they confirmed that North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments pose a serious threat not only to the region but also to international peace and security. Federal Chancellor Merkel praised the recent agreement between Japan and the Republic of Korea and expressed her hopes that it will favorably affect the response to North Korea.
(3) Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Abe explained that he called on H.E. Mr. Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine, who visited Japan last month, to fully implement the Minsk Agreements and accelerate domestic reforms, and that Japan would support these efforts as long as Ukraine moves forward with reforms. Federal Chancellor Merkel commented that it is important to continue all efforts under the Normandy Format, and that it is necessary for Ukraine to pursue its efforts of improving situations and to promote revisions of the Election Law. The two leaders also agreed that it is important for Russia to play a constructive role in relation to Ukraine, Syria, ISIL, and other situations.
5. United Nations Security Council reforms
The two leaders agreed on the importance of G4 collaboration for United Nations Security Council reforms (http://www.mofa.go.jp/fp/unp/page22e_000757.html) and also confirmed that they intend to continue the cooperation.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Tuesday, May 3, 2016]
Japan-Belgium Summit Meeting
On May 3 from noon for around 50 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, during his visit to Brussels, met with H.E. Mr. Charles Michel, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening remarks
(1) Prime Minister Michel welcomed the visit of Prime Minister Abe this year on the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, noted that many Japanese companies are active in Belgium, and commented that he hoped to use this occasion to further reinforce bilateral relations.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Abe expressed his condolences for the victims of the terrorist attacks in Brussels in March (http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_001088.html) as well as for their families, and reconfirmed Japan’s solidarity with Belgium. He also thanked Prime Minister Michel for his solidarity and sympathy regarding the earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture last month (http://www.mofa.go.jp/ms/m_c/page24e_000146.html). He stated that Japan would like to jointly celebrate the 150th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Belgium (http://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/we/be/page25e_000065.html) and also like to strengthen the Japan-Belgium relations in a wide range of areas, including counterterrorism and economy, through summit-level visits.
2. Japan-Belgium relations
(1) Prime Minister Abe requested cooperation of Belgian authorities to ensure safety, including that of Japanese residents, noting events being held for the 150th anniversary of friendship between Japan and Belgium (http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/page6e_000013.html). In response, Prime Minister Michel commented that Belgium intended to make efforts for the safety of Japanese people and companies in Belgium.
(2) The two leaders praised achievement of an agreement in principle on revisions of the tax convention between the two countries (http://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/press4e_001093.html), and agreed to further deepen bilateral economic ties, including in digital and ICT areas.
3. Fight against terrorism
Prime Minister Abe stated that counterterrorism would be one of the primary themes at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit and that Japan hoped the G7 nations would issue a strong message. He also explained Japan’s initiatives to fight against terrorism. Prime Minister Michel stated that he supports Prime Minister Abe’s initiative at the G7. The two leaders agreed to hold a bilateral consultation on counterterrorism before the end of the year.
4. Japan-EU relations
The two leaders reaffirmed that they would continue their efforts to reach an agreement in principle as soon as possible during this year on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/economy/page6e_000013.html), and achieve an early conclusion of the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) negotiations (http://www.mofa.go.jp/erp/ep/page22e_000707.html).
5. Regional situations
The two leaders agreed that the Minsk Agreement was the only guidance for improvement of the situation in Ukraine and agreed on the need to continue urging both Ukraine and Russia. They also exchanged opinions on China and the South China Sea situation.
The two leaders also agreed to conduct discussions on cooperation toward the development of Africa, taking into account of the Sixth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VI) which would be held in August (http://www.mofa.go.jp/afr/af2/page3e_000453.html).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan [Monday, May 2, 2016]
Japan-Italy Summit Meeting
On Monday, May 2, commencing at 11:30 a.m. (local time) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Matteo Renzi, Prime Minister of Italy, at the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. The overview of the summit meeting is as follows.
1. Bilateral relations
(1) In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Renzi stated that he was happy to welcome Prime Minister Abe, a friend of Prime Minister Renzi, to his hometown of Florence. Prime Minister Renzi expressed his desire to cooperate with Prime Minister Abe in further strengthening the already excellent relations between the two countries.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Abe commented on his happiness at having an opportunity to visit Prime Minister Renzi’s hometown of Florence.
(3) The two leaders agreed to robustly promote further advances of already excellent Japan-Italy relations in a variety of fields, including policy, security, economy, culture, and people-to-people exchange, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
(4) In particular, the two leaders welcomed a series of major investments by Japanese companies in Italy and confirmed their intent to further promote industrial cooperation between the two countries.
2. Cooperation for the G7 Ise-Shima Summit
(1) Prime Minister Abe commented that he hoped to engage in strategic discussions that are appropriate for the G7, which shares values, so that they can showcase the G7 unity and send a strong message on the global economy and the terrorism and refugee issues at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit being held at the end of this monthOpen a New Window.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Renzi agreed and noted that this year’s G7 Summit would be held at a very important timing for addressing various global challenges. He also expressed his expectation for strong leadership by Prime Minister Abe.
(3) The two leaders agreed that the G7 members needed to have flexible fiscal stimulus in parallel with accelerating structural reforms to revitalize the global economy, and they confirmed that the G7 should send a clear message at the Ise-Shima Summit.
(4) The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely as the G7 chairs for this year and next year.
Japan International Cooperation Agency [Tuesday, May 10, 2016]
Signing of Grant Aid Agreement with Mauritania: Expanding the National School of Public Health and providing equipment to improve the training environment for nurses and midwives
The name of a project was written incorrectly in this news release posted May 10. It has been corrected, and we apologize for the error.
【Incorrect】Project for Extension and Equipment Provision for the National School of Public Health of Nouakchott
【Correct】Project for Extension and Equipping for the National School of Public Health of Nouakchott
On May 9, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement (G/A) with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania to provide grant aid of up to 1.182 billion yen for the Project for Extension and Equipping for the National School of Public Health of Nouakchott.
This project will expand classroom buildings and provide equipment to the National School of Public Health (ENSP) in Nouakchott, the capital city, and develop a training environment for well-trained nurses, midwives and others.
The Islamic Republic of Mauritania has high under-five and maternal mortality rates, and developing human resources in the health care sector and providing quality health services are priorities. The ENSP, the target facility of the project, plays a central role for public health schools in the country, and, with a staff of approximately 370 people, has more than 850 students enrolled, a number that is expected to increase. The learning environment at the school is in decline due to factors such as classes being held outside of regular school hours due to an inadequate number of classrooms. In addition, the shortage of equipment for practical training is so severe that some of the lessons needed for the full curriculum cannot be carried out, so improvement in the educational environment is needed through expanded facilities and more equipment.
By expanding the number of classrooms, training rooms and other facilities and providing equipment for practical training, this project will increase the number of students that can be accommodated to 1,220, and enable practical classes required for the curriculum. It is expected that these measures strengthen the function of health care training in Mauritania, and by extension provide higher-quality health care services.
