Press Conference, 28 October 2008

Grant aid to Sudan
Grant aid to the Palestinian Authority
Seventh round of negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement
Negotiations between Japan and Saudi Arabia on the taxation convention
Seventh Economic Partnership Consultation between Japan and China held in Shanghai
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visit Japan

I. Japanese grant aid to Sudan

Deputy Press Secretary Yasuhisa Kawamura: Good afternoon. Welcome to the conference.

Let me start with a couple of announcements.

First, today Japan has decided to provide assistance to Sudan. For Sudan, we will provide contributions in kind to their refugees through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR. According to the UNHCR, the number of refugee returnees to South Sudan is anticipated to soar shortly, at least to 80,000, within a year following the end of this coming rainy season and the expected general election which is planned in early 2009. As a result, there is a concern that rapid deterioration of sanitary conditions in the region may cause outbreaks of diseases. The assistance includes 60 portable-type high-quality water purifiers and 60 spare filters to be used at 9 medical facilities. Japan remains committed to supporting peace consolidation including improvement of the humanitarian situation in Sudan and Africa.

II. Grant aid to the Palestinian Authority

Second, assistance for the Palestinian Authority. Japan has decided this morning to provide 10 million US dollars in the form of non-project grand aid to ease the budgetary burden of the Palestine Authority. Japan is committed to help the Palestinians to improve their economy, institutional capacity and livelihood, which are essential to any independent sate and to keeping the momentum of the peace process. Japan has proposed "The Corridor for Peace and Prosperity Initiative." This is to build an agro-industrial park in the Jordan Valley, which will provide the Palestinians job opportunities, facilitating the export of value-added products to the surrounding areas. Japan's contributions since the Oslo Process started in 1993 have amounted to about 1 billion US dollars thus far.

III. Seventh round of negotiations on the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement

Third, Japan and Australia are now conducting the 7th round of negotiations on the Japan-Australia EPA, or Economic Partnership Agreement, in Canberra, Australia. This round of negotiations started yesterday, Monday, the 27th and will continue until Friday, the 31st.

Areas of focus for this round will be market access in goods, energy-mineral resources, investment and trade in services, and food supplies.

IV. Negotiations between Japan and Saudi Arabia on the taxation convention

Fourth, Japan and Saudi Arabia have decided to begin negotiations on the taxation convention they wish to conclude. The two are currently holding the first round of negotiations in Tokyo. This round of negotiations started yesterday, Monday, the 27th and will continue until Friday, the 31st.

V. Seventh Economic Partnership Consultation between Japan and China held in Shanghai

Fifth, as I announced at the previous conference, Japan and China held the Seventh Economic Partnership Consultation yesterday, Monday, the 27th, in Shanghai.

Related Information (Press Release)

VI. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall visit Japan

Sixth and last, I would like to remind you that Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, are now paying an official visit to Japan. Their Royal Highnesses' visit to Japan celebrates the 150th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the United Kingdom.

Related Information (Press Release)

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