Visit to Myanmar by Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan (Summary)

1. Japan-Myanmar Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (Morning of December 26)

(1) On Japan-Myanmar Relations
Minister Gemba expressed his appreciation that his visit to Myanmar had become a reality upon, an invitation from Mr. Wunna Maung Lwin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar. Minister Gemba stated that this was the first time in nine years that a Japanese foreign minister’s visit to Myanmar was realized and praised the fact that there has been frequent and high-level communication between the two countries. Minister Wunna Maung Lwin welcomed Minister Gemba’s visit.

(2) Democratization and National Reconciliation
Minister Gemba praised the swift measures taken by the Government of Myanmar toward democratization and national reconciliation and expressed his intention to keep supporting the reform efforts. In addition, Minister Gemba stated that free and fair elections in the future and free political activities by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will be key issues and that he expects Myanmar to solidify strengthen democratization and national reconciliation, including the further release of political prisoners. Minister Wunna Maung Lwin stated that the Government of Myanmar will maintain its reform efforts, and that he appreciated Japan’s support for Myanmar based on the understanding of reforms in the country. He said that he is confident that elections will be free and fair, and that reconciliation with nation races and the release of political prisoners will continue.

(3) Measures in Four Areas

(4) Regarding the death of Mr. Kenji Nagai, Minister Gemba stated that in order to strengthen bilateral relations, an explanation of the investigation situation and its results are necessary. Minister Wunna Maung Lwin expressed his regret for the incident and said he will explain the request from the Japanese side with the Government.

(5) With regard to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, Minister Gemba urged the Government of Myanmar in the interests of promoting Japan-Myanmar relations, fulfils its duties in a transparent manner, based on a Security Council resolution. Minister Wunna Maung Lwin stated that Myanmar will not violate bans imposed by the international community and the United Nations in the future.

2. Courtesy Call to President Thein Sein (morning of December 26)

(1) Japan-Myanmar Relations
At the outset, Minister Gemba commended President Thein Sein for demonstrating leadership in promoting domestic reforms and holding frequent high-level communications between the two countries. President Thein Sein welcomed Minister Gemba’s visit and said that he wishes to cooperate for the further enhancement of their bilateral relationship.

(2) Democratization and National Reconciliation
Minister Gemba echoed the statement made by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, commending the Government of Myanmar for promptly taking a variety of steps toward Myanmar’s democratization and national reconciliation. In addition, Minister Gemba stated that the President’s instruction for a ceasefire with national races insurgents in Kachin State is an important step for advancing national reconciliation, and furthermore, commended that the establishment of the Labor Organization Law was a positive step forward for improving the human rights situation. Also, Minister Gemba said Japan will continue to support the President’s reform efforts toward Myanmar’s democratization and national reconciliation.

In response, the President expressed appreciation for Japan’s understanding and his wish to continue to advance reforms, adding that he attaches importance to domestic stability and the achievement of peace with national races for the further development of Myanmar. Concerning democratization, the President said Myanmar is making efforts to allow people of all levels to participate in politics and that the National League for Democracy (NLD) is now able to take part in elections. The President said the Government is making every effort toward nation-building, and that he is aware that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi shares a thorough understanding about such sincere efforts being undertaken by the Government.

Concerning national reconciliation, the President said he urges the achievement of peace with ethnic minorities. He has achieved peace with many national races groups, and will endeavor to achieve peace with the remaining national races groups. In addition, the President told Minister Gemba that economic development is important for Myanmar’s development as a democratic nation, and expressed hope for Japan’s assistance. Furthermore, the President noted that human resources development is important for Myanmar’s development and hoped for Japan’s assistance also in this connection.

(3) Measures in Four Areas
Foreign Minister Gemba stated that Japan is a member of Asia and was one of the first countries to adopt democracy. From this perspective, too, Japan wishes to support the democratization process in Myanmar. Foreign Minister Gemba stated Japan’s measures of assistance were explained in detail to Minister for Foreign Affairs Wunna Maung Lwin, noting that the two foreign ministers concurred to commence consultations on an investment agreement and that a study of Tirawa Port is also planned in connection with the study that Japan is going to carry out on comprehensive development of Myanmar. Minister Gemba stated that he wishes to support the President’s efforts.

3. Mr. Htay Oo, Secretary-General, Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) (morning of December 26)

Foreign Minister Gemba thanked Secretary-General Htay Oo for his efforts toward the development of bilateral relations to date and conveyed Japan’s thought with regard to support for Myanmar.

Secretary-General Htay Oo responded by saying that he has exchanged views and ideas with many people from Japan, and these were very meaningful. He added that the USDP intends to work toward the further development of Myanmar, while exchanging ideas with people of different political parties and standpoints.

4. Talk with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi (evening of December 26)

(1) Democratization and national reconciliation
Foreign Minister Gemba stated that Japan places great importance on achieving a prosperity and stability in the Asia-Pacific region that is supported by democratic values. As the one of the first countries in Asia to embrace democracy, Japan believes that it can contribute to advancing the democratization of Myanmar. Myanmar is currently moving in a positive direction, and it is important for the international community to encourage Myanmar to make further progress. Japan regards these important such as, future elections being free and fair; Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other persons associated with the NLD being able to freely carry out political activities; and the further release of political prisoners. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Gemba mentioned that he had conveyed these ideas during his talks with Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin and President Thein Sein and that he expressed that Japan will support President Thein Sein’s reform efforts with a view toward further advancing the current movement toward democratization and national reconciliation. Foreign Minister Gemba added that Japan expects that the government of Myanmar will move forward with reforms while cooperating with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

(2) Strengthening Japan-Myanmar relations
Foreign Minister Gemba stated that Japan and Myanmar have agreed to start discussions on an investment agreement between the two countries, which would be aimed at development of the investment environment, and continue to personnel exchanges, including the invitation of young affiliates of the NLD and other political parties. Foreign Minister Gemba also mentioned that Japan intends to carry out study on comprehensive development in Myanmar. He stated that Japan believes that it would be meaningful if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were to visit Japan, and Japan intends to extend her an invitation.

(3) Daw Aung San Suu Kyi responded by saying that she thinks the plan to invite persons associated with the political parties of Myanmar will be a good opportunity for them to learn about how Japan’s democracy functions. She also stated that in thinking about Myanmar’s economy and support for Myanmar, Japan should not forget about benefits for national races, and that it is important for economic support to be extended to all the people of Myanmar.   

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi also mentioned that in regard to investment from foreign countries, it is important that investments go to the areas where they are truly needed. Therefore it is important to develop legislation related to investments inside Myanmar. She is focusing on the rule of law based on the perspective that it is important for laws to be functioning appropriately.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi expressed gratitude for the invitation to Japan and said that she would think about visiting Japan if she has the opportunity.

(4) Foreign Minister Gemba responded that the points Daw Aung San Suu Kyi mentioned are in line with what that Japan has focused on to date. He stated that it is important for Myanmar to move forward with further reforms and that Japan intends to provide further support going forward.

5. Meeting with Persons Associated with Japanese Enterprises (evening of December 25)

Foreign Minister Gemba had a meeting with persons associated with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Myanmar, and exchanged opinions regarding the local investment environment and other issues related to Japanese enterprises smoothly conducting their business operations in Myanmar.