Japan-Finland Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 5, 2009
Japanese
On November 5 (Thu), from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan had a meeting with H.E. Mr. Alexander Stubb, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, who was visiting Japan as a Guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and hosted a dinner for him at Iikura House where they exchanged opinions pertaining to bilateral relations between the two countries as well as the international issue. The outline of the meeting is as follows.
- As an opening remark, Minister Stubb expressed his appreciation towards
the invitation, and stated that he felt that global balance was shifting
from the West to the East in the world and his visit to Japan was in good
timing. In response, Minister Okada remarked that, for Japan, it was important
for Japan to spread democracy across Asia and to reap its prosperity while
Asia itself enjoys peace and prosperity.
- Minister Stubb stated that an East Asian Community was an important
initiative providing a desirable direction as the world is heading toward
multipolarity and that he would like to offer his high evaluation. In response
to this, Minister Okada stated that the initiative was set out to be a long
term vision and that he would like to bring it into reality one step at
a time. He also expressed that it was a significant chance that Asian countries
have began to share future-oriented way of thinking due to the common vision
of East Asian Community.
- Minister Stubb said that the European Union (EU) must speak with a single
voice within the international community, that the Treaty of Lisbon would
go into effect soon and framework would be put into place, and that from
such a standpoint he expected a powerful EU President to be elected. Minister
Okada responded by stating that it was important to begin with what could
be done, such as the process by which the EU was constructed. Minister Okada
also said that compared with Europe, Asia was abundant in diversity and
that it was necessary for countries to accept a diverse set of values.
- In the area of disarmament and non-proliferation, Mr. Stubb said that
he was glad that cooperative relations were in place with Japan with respect
to a Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and Arms Trade Treaty. He also said
that he would also like to deepen cooperation in the field of peace building.
Minister Okada agreed with this and expressed his appreciation for the Finnish
proposal of exchange in that field.
- With respect to UN Security Council Reform, Minister Stubb expressed
his support for Japan's bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council.
Minister Okada stated his appreciation.
- In addition, on the topic of international issues, the two ministers
exchanged views with respect to Russia, China, and Afghanistan.
- In closing, Minister Stubb said that he realized Minister Okada’s schedule must be extremely busy, but that he hoped that Minister Okada would pay a visit to Finland. Minister Okada said that he would like to find an occasion and that he could.
(END)
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