Points to be Noted in Bilateral Relations
on the Occasion of the Visit

January 22, 1997

1. Brunei Darussalam

The two countries agreed to establish vice-ministerial level talks on political and economic affairs.

The Prime Minister invited Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah to Japan as a state guest.

It was confirmed that efforts will be made to further promote further Japanese investment in Brunei Darussalam.

2. Malaysia

It was agreed (a) to establish a working-level group to analyze the structure of bilateral trade, including the causes of the current imbalance, (b) to have the two countries' respective authorities consider how to expand bilateral aviation capacity, and (c) to consider the possibility of cooperation in assistance to Bosnia.

The Prime Minister reiterated his intention of enhancing South-South cooperation.

3. Indonesia

It was agreed to establish bilateral public-private talks for the strengthening of trade and investment relations.

With respect to Indonesia's national car project, Japan has sought a solution compatible with the WTO rules and the two leaders agreed to make efforts to keep the issue from damaging their overall bilateral relationship.

The Prime Minister expressed the initiative that Japan would cooperate with Indonesia's efforts to preserve its unique culture and traditions.

The two countries confirmed their position on enhancement of South-South cooperation.

The Prime Minister expressed Japan's position of supporting diplomatic efforts through talks mediated by the U.N. Secretary General on the issue of East Timor.

4. Viet Nam

The two sides agreed to promote dialogue on political and security issues.

Japan renewed its commitment to expand its ODA in various forms to support Viet Nam's doi moi renovation policy and expressed its wish for efforts by Viet Nam to promote private-sector investment.
Viet Nam expressed its strong desire for Japanese support in human response, the Japanese side promised to dispatch a mission comprising experts in this field.

5. Singapore

The prime minister stated that Japan would contribute 2 million dollars in a lump sum by the end of March to the Asia-Europe Foundation proposed by Singapore.

The two sides agreed (a) to establish a business forum to search for ways to promote trade, investment, and exchange, (b) to consider, through this forum or other fora, cooperation in investment in third countries, and (c) to build a new relationship of economic cooperation based on an equal partnership.

The two sides agreed that Singapore would play a central role in the dispatch of a multinational Japan-ASEAN cultural mission.