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Internet Press Chat Conference, 10 May 2007

  1. First Round of Negotiations on the Japan-Switzerland Economic Partnership Agreement
  2. Visit to Japan by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine
  3. "Diplomatic Forum in Sendai - 120-minute Discussions with Foreign Minister Taro Aso"
  4. Announcement of the Next Rector of the United Nations University

I. First Round of Negotiations on the Japan-Switzerland Economic Partnership Agreement

Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Let me start today's Regular Internet Chat Press Conference. Today, I would like to make several announcements.

The First Round of Negotiations on the Japan-Switzerland Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) will take place from Monday, 14 May to Friday, 18 May in Tokyo, Japan. In this Round Mr. Jun Yokota, Ambassador for International Trade and Economic Affairs (Chief Negotiator), and other officials from relevant ministries for the Japanese side, and Mr. Luzius Wasescha, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the World Trade Organization (WTO), State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Chief Negotiator) and other officials from relevant ministries for the Swiss side will participate. At the Round, they will discuss major areas of negotiations, such as trade in goods and services, investment and intellectual property rights.

Related Information (Press Release)

II. Visit to Japan by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine

Mr. Taniguchi: Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych of Ukraine will visit Japan as a guest of the Government of Japan from Wednesday, May 16 to Saturday, 19 May. This visit will be the first ever visit of a Ukrainian Prime Minister to Japan. During his visit, Mr. Yanukovych will meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and exchange views with those in Japan's economic circles and others.

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III. "Diplomatic Forum in Sendai - 120-minute Discussions with Foreign Minister Taro Aso"

Mr. Taniguchi: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold a town-meeting-style gathering, with Foreign Minister Taro Aso as a featured speaker, called "Diplomatic Forum in Sendai - 120- minute Discussions with Foreign Minister Taro Aso" on Sunday, June 10 at the Sendai International Center, with the cooperation of Miyagi Prefecture and Sendai City. Foreign Minister Aso will deliver a keynote lecture on the theme, "Four Pillars of Japanese Diplomacy" and hold a dialogue with the participants. Applications will be accepted by e-mail, fax or postal mail on a first-come-first-served basis from Tuesday, May 8.

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IV. Announcement of the Next Rector of the United Nations University

Mr. Taniguchi: On Wednesday, May 9, the Secretariat of the United Nations announced its decision that Professor Konrad Osterwalder, Rector of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, would be the next Rector of the United Nations University (UNU), headquartered in Aoyama, Tokyo. The Government of Japan welcomes this decision. UNU, the only United Nations organ whose headquarters are located in Asia, conducts research that could contribute to resolving urgent and crucial problems confronting the world as a think tank for the United Nations System. As the international community has had growing expectations of the UNU in recent years, the University's research activities now encompass issues concerning: peace and security, including peace building and peacekeeping; the environment and development, including development and poverty reduction; and also the environment and sustainability. Japan has been supporting UNU activities and intends to deepen its relations with the UNU to extend further proactive contribution to its activities.

Related Information (Press Release)

With that I would like to end today's Regular Internet Chat Press Conference. See you at the next Regular Internet Chat Press Conference.

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