Press Conference, 10 June 2008

Statement on the speech by Prime Minister Fukuda on climate change
Announcement of visits to Japan by foreign dignitaries

I. Statement on the speech by Prime Minister Fukuda on climate change

Assistant Press Secretary Hiroshi Suzuki: Good afternoon.
I have a couple of announcements before I take your questions.

First, Prime Minister Fukuda delivered a major speech last evening on the issue of climate change, laying out his vision for creating a low-carbon society. I would like to draw your attention to some of the highlights of his speech.

Firstly, the prime minister announced Japan's long-term target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 60% to 80% from the current level by the year 2050.

Secondly, the prime minister announced that Japan would provide up to $1.2 billion US dollars to a new multilateral fund for assisting developing countries in coping with the negative impacts of climate change. Japan is working closely with the US and the UK to establish this multilateral fund, and would like to encourage more countries to participate.

Thirdly, Prime Minister Fukuda announced that Japan would initiate an emissions trading system within the country starting this autumn on a trial basis with the participation of as many industries and businesses as possible.

As you know, the issue of climate change will be high on the agenda for the upcoming Hokkaido Toyako G8 Summit, and the initiatives Prime Minister Fukuda unveiled yesterday demonstrate his determination to make the G8 Summit a success. The full text of the speech in English will be posted as soon as it becomes available on the web site of the Prime Minister's office.

Related Information (Climate Change)

II. Announcement of visits to Japan by foreign dignitaries

Next, I have two announcements on visiting foreign dignitaries. First, the Government of Japan welcomes Prime Minister Rudd of Australia, who is currently visiting Japan. We hope that through this visit, the friendly relations between the two countries will be further strengthened.

The Government of Japan also welcomes Prime Minister Vanhanen of Finland. Next year, 2009, will mark the 90th anniversary of the friendly relations between Japan and Finland, and we hope this visit will further promote our friendly bilateral relations.

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