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Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)+3 (Japan, People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea) Summit Meeting
Japan-Myanmar Summit Meeting
(Outline)

6 November 2001

In the afternoon of 5 November, in Brunei Darussalam, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a Summit Meeting with the Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar Senior-General Than Shwe. The following is a summary of the meeting.

• Prime Minister Koizumi highly valued the efforts by the Government of Myanmar in releasing political detainees and called for further efforts to be made.
• Prime Minister Koizumi stated his expectation that efforts would continue towards democratization, while noting the role of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
• Prime Minister Than Shwe stated that efforts towards democratization would continue and that whatever role Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would play in the process of democratization, it would not be a matter with which the military government would interfere.
• Prime Minister Koizumi stated Japan would cooperate with Myanmar in efforts towards democratization.

1. Increasing Friendly and Cooperative Relations between Japan and Myanmar

(1) Prime Minister Koizumi made the following statements:

1. Japan feels a tremendous sense of closeness with Myanmar and there are likely to be a number of fields in which cooperation can be undertaken in the future. While both countries are currently enduring domestic difficulties, efforts should be made towards reform.
2. For Japan, regional cooperation with the countries of Southeast Asia is of particular importance and continuing cooperation between Japan and Myanmar would be to the benefit of the region as a whole.

(2) In response, Prime Minister Than Shwe made the following statements:

1. Myanmar is currently making efforts in political reform towards a parliamentary system and democracy, in addition to economic reforms in a move from nationalization to privatization.
2. Myanmar is currently experiencing domestic issues of ethnic minorities and armed groups.
3. Japan is considered a special partner by Myanmar and whether or not Japan grants Myanmar assistance and cooperation, Myanmar always considers Japan as a friend.

2. Call for Democratization

(1) Prime Minister Koizumi made the following statements:

1. The recent release of many political detainees was something that was highly appreciated. Such efforts should be continued in the future.
2. It is expected that further efforts will continue towards democratization in Myanmar, with due attention paid to the fact that the international community is watching the role of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Japan is keen to offer cooperation in such endeavors.
3. Japan understands that amidst many issues such as that of armed groups and ethnic minorities Myanmar is making efforts towards reconciliation, and hopes that such efforts will be continued.

(2) In response, Prime Minister Than Shwe stated that efforts towards democratization would continue and that whatever position Daw Aung San Suu Kyi would be given in the process of democratization, it would bear no relation to the current government of the Union of Myanmar. Prime Minister Than Shwe added that if Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were to be elected in an election, then the military government would not interfere as it would be part of the democratic process.