Japan-Mexico Summit Meeting
(Overview and Evaluation)
On 27 October 2002, during his visit to the United Mexican States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a summit meeting with President Vicente Fox Quesada of Mexico. The following is an overview and evaluation of the meeting.
1. Overview
(1) In response to the proposal made in July 2002 by the "Japan-Mexico Joint Study Group on the Strengthening of Bilateral Economic Relations", it was agreed to launch negotiations on an Agreement to Strengthen the Economic Partnership Between Japan and Mexico (provisional name). It was agreed that the first negotiations will take place in Tokyo in November and that they should make maximum efforts to finish the negotiations in substance as soon as possible with a target of an approximately one-year period.
(2) Prime Minister Koizumi requested that the business environment in Mexico be further developed, including improvements on security conditions for the Japanese companies in Mexico. In response, President Fox offered his assurance in this regard.
(3) Prime Minister Koizumi invited President Fox to make an official visit to Japan next year. President Fox invited His Majesty the Emperor and Prime Minister Koizumi to pay visits to Mexico.
(4) President Fox said that Mexico supports Japan's efforts towards a resolution of the issues surrounding the Korean Peninsula.
2. Significance and Evaluation of the Summit Meeting
(1) Agreement on the launch of negotiations to conclude an Agreement to Strengthen the Economic Partnership Between Japan and Mexico Japan considers Mexico as an important country for its economic strategy toward countries in the Americas. The agreement between the two leaders to launch negotiations on the conclusion of an agreement means a step forward to strengthen Japan-Mexico economic relations. This will form an important foundation for further development of Japan-Mexico relations.
(2) Construction of Friendly Cooperative Relations in many areas It was agreed to construct friendly cooperative relations in many areas, including political, economic and cultural fields. In addition, Prime Minister Koizumi invited President Fox to pay an official visit to Japan next year, and President Fox indicated his acceptance of the invitation.
(3) Strengthening of Bilateral Cooperation to Tackle International Issues As the Fox Administration is performing an active role in international fora such as the United Nations, the two leaders exchanged their opinions concerning such international issues as the Korean Peninsula.
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