Policy Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi to the 154th Session of the Diet (Provisional Translation)

4 February 2002
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japanese

I have been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs. As a member of the Koizumi Cabinet, dedicated to Ceaseless Reforms, I have been engaged in the formulation and implementation of policies to realize a better environment. I now take the helm of Japan's diplomacy, striving for the goal of a peaceful, stable and prosperous international community. There are piles of diplomatic issues to be addressed, and I intend to actively pursue diplomacy that meets the needs of this new age, while firmly succeeding the lines which my predecessors assiduously laid down.

Introduction

In order to bear the responsibility for the diplomacy of this nation properly, it is vitally important that our foreign policies be understood and supported by the people. Reflecting on the series of regrettable incidents that occurred last year, I believe that implementation of reforms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is of foremost importance. On this point, I intend to implement reforms powerfully in accordance with the instructions of the Prime Minister at the time of my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs. In particular, I intend to listen humbly to opinions on foreign policy from various perspectives. I will not stand for anything that is inappropriate and will ensure that our diplomacy is not swayed by any particular pressure. Moreover, I will see to it that, viewed from the perspective of the people, the structure of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the way that it conducts its affairs are in line with the expectations of the people of our nation.

The fight against international terrorism

The series of terrorist attacks that occurred last year in the United States have renewed our perception of the new threats to our security. It is essential that we strive to prevent and eradicate terrorism, and Japan, recognizing the fight against terrorism as a challenge to itself, has been working to strengthen international solidarity in this fight against terrorism while enacting the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law and has been proactive and taken the initiative in implementing cooperation and support activities, and assistance to the affected people. At the same time, we must recognize that the fight against terrorism will not end only with military operations and that we will need to maintain our endeavors over the long term on wide-ranging fronts. In particular, in order to take measures to cut off the flow of capital to terrorist organizations, we must promptly conclude the International Convention for the Suppression of Financing of Terrorism signed last year. Simultaneously, we must advance the establishment of a legal framework to allow for the implementation in good faith of this convention and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Toward this end, this will be submitted to the Diet promptly.

Moreover, we must continue to pay close attention to Afghanistan and the neighboring countries that are facing difficulties as a result of the current situation, as well as the affected people suffering in these countries. While doing so, we must be proactive in the provision of assistance in order to prevent a future outbreak of conflict in this region and ensure stability in the entire region. Based on this perspective, last month Japan co-hosted with the United States, European Union and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan in Tokyo. As announced at that conference, Japan will extend assistance for Afghanistan totaling up to US$500 million over the coming two and a half years, centering on sectors such as repatriation of refugees and rebuilding of regional communities, de-mining, health and medical care, education, empowerment of women's status and restoration of media infrastructure. Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs squarely recognizes that the confusion that ensued from issues involving the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) resulted in a blemish on the major achievements of that conference, and reflects deeply on that. In view of the great role to be played by NGOs in assisting the reconstruction of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs intends to strive further to enhance its coordination and cooperation with NGOs.

Strengthening relations with major countries and regions and the regional situation

In the twenty-first century as well, we are facing a number of various issues, and yet Japan's relations with the United States, the fundamental basis of our diplomacy, continue to be of extreme importance. President George W. Bush is scheduled to visit Japan late this month. Japan intends to advance dialogue and policy coordination between the two nations across a broad spectrum, while striving to enhance the credibility of the Japan-US Security Arrangements and to develop further the Japan-US Alliance, which is the foundation of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, in order to alleviate the burden which the people of Okinawa Prefecture bear for peace and security of entire Japan, I will sincerely make every effort for the steady implementation of the Final Report of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO), including the relocation and return of the Futenma Air Station. Moreover, given the uncertain outlook for the world economy, it is vital that we advance constructive dialogue between Japan and the United States through the Japan-US Economic Partnership for Growth, in order to ensure that sustainable growth can be achieved for the economies of Japan and the United States as well as the global economy.

Realizing a stable and prosperous Asia-Pacific region, premised on respect for fundamental human rights, democracy, market economy and free trade is extremely significant for the peace and prosperity of the entire international community.

From this perspective as well, it is essential that we build stable, friendly and cooperative relations with the People's Republic of China. It is important that China continues to develop stably and plays an even more constructive role in the international community through steps such as its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). For that reason as well, Japan will assist China to the possible extent in accordance with the Economic Cooperation Program for China drawn up last year. This year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China relations and various activities will be conducted: in China as "Japan Year," and in Japan as "China Year." Through these events, we will aim to enhance mutual understanding and trust, especially among the younger generations, and aim for even greater development in Japan-China relations. In our relations with our neighbor the Republic of Korea, with which we share basic values and which is extremely important politically and economically for Japan, the two summit meetings in October 2001 were important opportunities for further developing our relations. This year, Japan and the Republic of Korea will jointly host the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan and this year has also been designated as the Year of Japan-Republic of Korea National Exchange. Japan intends to do its utmost to ensure the success of these events and to place relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea on a solid bedrock. Concerning the situations on the Korean Peninsula, Japan hopes to see dialogue continue between the Republic of Korea and North Korea. For its part, Japan intends to work tenaciously to engage in normalization talks with North Korea while maintaining close coordination with the Republic of Korea and the United States. Through such dialogue between Japan and North Korea, Japan will make its utmost efforts toward resolving humanitarian and security issues with North Korea. Under President Vladimir Putin, domestic reforms have been advanced in the Russian Federation, which continues to foster positively constructive relations with the international community. The day before yesterday I held talks with Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. In its relations with Russia, Japan supports these transformations and works hard to ensure progress across the broad spectrum of relations between Japan and Russia. Japan intends to strive to advance the negotiations for concluding a peace treaty based on the policy that we have consistently maintained of resolving the issue of the attribution of the Four Islands and then concluding a peace treaty.

Last month's visit by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to Southeast Asia was an important opportunity to strengthen the broad cooperation with the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is vital for the stability and prosperity of this region. Based on the cooperation with the countries of ASEAN, Japan will strive to work for multi-tiered development of regional frameworks such as ASEAN+3 (Japan, China, Republic of Korea), trilateral cooperation among Japan-China-ROK, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Moreover, the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement for a New Age, which was recently signed, not only covers liberalization and facilitation of trade but also strengthens our bilateral economic partnership across a broad range of areas such as financial services and information and communication technology sectors. This agreement is one example of Japan's continuous efforts to enhance its economic relations with the countries in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere.

In our relations with India, the foremost Asian democracy, based on the Japan-India Joint Declaration issued at the time of the visit to Japan by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Japan as a global partner intends to advance cooperation in the political and security areas, in addition to economy.

Japan's relations with the Europe are also increasingly important as the European Union continues to enlarge and further integrate. Within the framework of the Decade of Japan-Europe Cooperation launched last year, Japan will strive to make the relations between Japan and Europe even closer and characterized by more concrete forms of cooperation, through the steady implementation of the Action Plan for EU-Japan Cooperation and will work hard to promote dialogue between Asia and Europe through the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

In considering the various regional situations around the globe, Japan is particularly concerned about the situation in the Palestinian territories. Japan will continue to cooperate with the United States and the rest of the international community in again urging the parties concerned to sever the vicious cycle of violence by exercising self-restraint and solve the issues through dialogue and negotiation. Furthermore, concerning the tense relations between the Republic of India and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Japan will continue to urge both nations to heed the call of the international community, including Japan, and continue their efforts to reopen their dialogue promptly.

Efforts to achieve stability in the international community

A proactive approach to conflict prevention is essential in order to achieve stability in the international community. Japan has long made efforts in fora such as the United Nations, G8 and the ARF, and in cooperation with the nations concerned, international organizations and NGOs, to prevent the outbreak of conflict. Japan intends to enhance such efforts further.

In instances where conflict does arise, it is important for the international community to unite and work hard to prevent its spread and to resolve the conflict at hand, while ensuring that assistance is provided to those affected. In particular, it is important that efforts aiming to maintain international peace centering on the United Nations be continued in order to solve the conflicts that do exist and prevent their reoccurrence. Japan is currently carrying out preparations for the dispatch of an Engineering Unit of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to East Timor in March. Furthermore, reflecting the recent revision to the International Peace Cooperation Law, Japan intends to participate even more actively in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (PKO).

In order to prevent terrorism, it is also vitally important to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction such as nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and ballistic missiles. Furthermore, it is essential to strengthen the practical approaches to tackle the problems such as antipersonnel landmines and small arms and light weapons. Japan intends to proactively display its initiative in enhancing its efforts in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation.

In order to tackle more effectively the increasingly diverse and complex issues facing the international community, it is essential to strengthen the functions of the United Nations, beginning with Security Council reform. When Security Council reform is achieved, Japan intends to bear an even greater responsibility as a permanent member of the Security Council.

In order to realize stability and prosperity in the international community, we must not overlook the importance of reducing poverty and providing development assistance for Africa and other developing regions. At the end of last year, Japan, together with the United Nations, World Bank and others, co-hosted the Ministerial-level Meeting of the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD). Bearing in mind the future hosting of TICAD III, Japan intends to continue to actively support the initiative of developing countries seeking to reduce poverty.

Strengthening the multilateral free trading regime is extremely important in order to stabilize and invigorate the global economy. The realization of an agreement to initiate a New Round of negotiations at the Fourth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the accession to the WTO by China and Chinese Taipei were of great significance for achieving sustainable economic growth on a global level. Japan intends to engage actively in the New Round of negotiations in order to liberalize world trade further and to strengthen WTO rules, while taking into account the interests and concerns expressed by developing countries.

Environmental issues can pose a threat to the very existence of humanity, and are therefore, extremely important diplomatic issues as well. I intend to take a proactive stance, building on my experience in my previous post. In particular, regarding the issue of global warming, we request the Diet to approve the Kyoto Protocol during this Session. We will continue our maximum efforts in seeking a constructive response from the United States, and in formulating international rules with the participation of developing nations. Furthermore, through fora such as the World Summit on Sustainable Development to be held this year in Johannesburg, Japan intends to stress to all nations the need to pursue coexistence of the environment and development.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) is an extremely important means for acting to ensure the stability and prosperity of the international community. The international community places extremely high expectations on Japan to promote peace and prosperity in Asia, assist in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and strive to resolve various global challenges such as environmental issues and infectious diseases. Proactively acting to meet such expectations will indeed foster trust and respect for Japan. Bearing in mind the severe economic and fiscal situation, Japan intends to make strategic and effective use of ODA to the fullest extent possible.

Conclusion

I have outlined the basic orientation of Japan's diplomatic policy. We are charged with the mission of handing over a stable and peaceful world to our children who will bear forth our world. It is our duty to ensure that this is an age in which all people everywhere can enjoy happiness and that the lives and dignity of each and every human being are protected. To do so, the international community must take measures to eradicate the threat of terrorism, which endangers the very survival, livelihood and dignity of our peoples, while further developing the political and economic system premised on the respect for fundamental human rights, democracy, market economy and free trade. It is also vitally important that we foster deeper understanding among different cultures and civilizations and of history so that we can enhance dialogue to identify our common values and build a society in which people can co-exist in peace while recognizing each other's differences. I intend to do my utmost to achieve these goals. In this regard, I humbly ask for the support and cooperation of the people of Japan and the members of the Diet.