Japan-Netherlands Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

October 27, 2008
Japanese

(photo) (photo)

On October 27 (Mon), from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, had a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and a Dinner at the Iikura House with Dr. Maxime Jacques Marcel Verhagen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, now visiting Japan as Guest of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The gist of the talks is as follows:

First of all, Dr. Verhagen said that it was a pleasure to be able to visit Japan as Guest of the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the commemorating year of 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations, representing a country that shares values with Japan.
On the International Situation

(1) Mr. Nakasone briefed him on the situation surrounding North Korea. Dr. Verhagen also stated that he completely supported the framework of the Six-Party Talks and was in sympathy with the stance of the Government of Japan on the issue of abduction.

(2) The foreign ministers exchanged views on the situation in Georgia and agreed on the basic stance.

(3)They also exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan in which Dr. Verhagen highly valued the role of Japan, especially its refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. They agreed to continue cooperation in providing assistance for reconstruction. Dr. Verhagen valued Japan’s assistance which amounts to 2,000 million dollars in total.

On Bilateral Relations

(1) Both foreign ministers highly commended each other for the Japan-Netherlands relationship, which maintains a very good relationship in political, economic and cultural terms. The visit to Japan of Dr. Jan-Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was taken up as a subject since the next year marks the 400th year of trade between the two countries; and agreed to coordinate toward the visit.

(2) Mr. Nakasone explained Japan’s basic position on the issue of whaling and requested cooperation from the Netherlands to cope with the activities of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.. Dr. Verhagen stated that the basic position of the Government of the Netherlands on whaling was as already known, that any act should be within the law, and from such a viewpoint, the Netherlands would respond to the request from the Japanese side.

(3) On the issue of the so-called comfort women, Dr. Verhagen asked about the position of the Government of Japan. Mr. Nakasone said that the Government of Japan would adhere to the Statement made by the Chief Cabinet Secretary in 1993, to which Dr. Verhagen expressed welcome and understanding, saying he would report it back to the parliament of his country.

In addition, they agreed that the current financial crisis was a serious problem that needed to be dealt with in cooperation not only by Japan and the Netherlands but also by Japan and Europe and ultimately by the international community as a whole.
Lastly, Dr. Verhagen said he would be happy to receive Mr. Nakasone in the Netherlands next year, and Mr. Nakasone replied he would like to visit the Netherlands if the opportunity allowed.
In general, the Meeting and Dinner Party took place in an amiable and relaxed atmosphere.

(END)

Back to Index