Japan-US Summit Meeting (Summary)
November 21, 2004
On November 20, local time, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President George W. Bush of the United States of America, who were both in Chile to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting, held a summit meeting at the Hyatt Regency Hotel where President Bush was staying. The following is a summary of the meeting.
1. General Overview
In opening the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his congratulations to President Bush on his reelection as well as his appreciation for the assistance provided by the US for the damage caused by the Niigata Prefecture Chuetsu Earthquake.
2. North Korea
(1)Prime Minister Koizumi noted the importance of the framework of the Six-Party Talks and the importance to continue emphasizing and utilizing this framework. In addition, Prime Minister Koizumi explained to President Bush that he had stressed to Chairman of the National Defense Commission Kim Jong-Il at the Japan-North Korea Summit Meeting in May that North Korea would gain much larger benefits from dismantling its nuclear weapons than possessing them. Prime Minister Koizumi explained that he had also told Chairman Kim repeatedly that guaranteeing security within the framework of the Six-Party Talks, would be more promising than possessing nuclear weapons, since the framework also includes China and Russia.
(2)President Bush clearly stated that the Six-Party Talks is the only means to solving the issue of nuclear weapons. President Bush also shared his view that diplomatic and peaceful solutions must be sought through the Six-Party Talks and mentioned the importance of the close coordination between Japan and the US, as well as the conveyance of a single unified message among the relevant countries including China, the ROK and Russia.
3. Transformation of US forces in Japan
(1)Prime Minister Koizumi commented on the importance of understanding the significance of maintaining the existing deterrent as well as reducing the burden on local communities hosting US bases in Japan, particularly in Okinawa. Prime Minister Koizumi suggested the idea that the reduction of military forces, and the realignment and reduction of facilities and areas could be compatible with the maintenance of the deterrent through recent development in science, technology and military weapons. Prime Minister Koizumi also mentioned that he would like relevant foreign affairs and defense authorities of the two countries to continue discussing this matter closely.
(2)President Bush stated that the presence of US forces in the Asia-Pacific region is strategically significant for the stability in the region, and that the maintenance of the effective deterrent should be achieved while carrying out realignment and integration of facilities and areas. President Bush mentioned that the US and Japan should discus this matter closely.
4. Issue of Iraq
(1)Prime Minister Koizumi mentioned that the nation-building and reconstruction in Iraq should be carried out successfully. He conveyed Japan's intention to continue its cooperation for the reconstruction of Iraq and stated that the decision on the type of assistance to be provided should be left to Japan. President Bush responded that this would certainly be the case.
(2)In addition, Prime Minister Koizumi strongly emphasized the importance of enhanced international coordination in tackling issues faced by the international community, such as the situation in Iraq. (Prime Minister Koizumi again pressed this point as he exited upon conclusion of the meeting.) President Bush expressed his consent on this point.
(3)Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his appreciation for the assistance and cooperation provided by the US regarding the incident in Iraq in which a Japanese national was taken as a hostage and murdered.
5. Economic Issues
(1)President Bush expressed his support of the strong dollar and explained his plan to discuss with Congress both on short- and long-term measures against financial deficit.
(2)Prime Minister Koizumi commented that the presence of the US is significant for the entire world in the economic front and that the strong dollar is important for the US economy, the Japanese economy, and for the global economy.
6. Invitation to the United States
At the end of the meeting, President Bush extended invitation to Prime Minister Koizumi to visit the US in the coming year.
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