Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting
(Outline)
14 September 2001
The summit meeting between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and President of the Republic of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which took place on the 13 September from 2.10 pm and lasted approximately 45 minutes, is summarized below. A "Joint Press Statement between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines" (attached) was issued following the summit.
After the summit meeting, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony on the Exchange of Notes in respect of yen loans for the "Central Luzon Motorway Construction Project" (worth around 42 billion yen).
1. Overview of Bilateral Relations
The two leaders agreed on the need for both countries, with a high level of partnership, to cooperate closely at the regional and global level as well as bilaterally.
Prime Minister Koizumi expressed the hope that, with bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines having made excellent progress, the two countries would in future work together as partners for the region and the rest of the world, and stated that, in this respect, the "Joint Press Statement between Japan and the Republic of the Philippines" was well-timed. President Arroyo concurred and stated that she hoped to proceed with cooperation in a wide range of areas.
In addition, the two countries agreed to work on a Japan-Philippines Partnership Program. The Program, to be funded on a shared basis by Japan and the Philippines, will seek to promote human resources development in Association of South-East Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries, with President Arroyo saying that she hoped to redress the disparities within the ASEAN region and provide assistance to East Timor.
2. Terrorism
The two leaders strongly condemned the series of terrorist attacks in the United States and expressed their heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the victims, agreeing to give the utmost support to the United States and to continue their efforts for combating terrorism.
3. Structural reform of the Japanese economy
President Arroyo noted that, although the reforms that have been undertaken by Prime Minister Koizumi would be accompanied by difficulties, she was convinced that they would be achieved, and that the success of Japan was also important for the stability of the region.
4. Official Development Assistance (ODA)
Prime Minister Koizumi stated that, given the harsh financial situation in Japan, the ODA budget was likely to be cut by 10% overall, but that, in view of the importance of the stability of the Philippines for the stability of the region as a whole, it was hoped to continue providing assistance, and requested the Philippines to make effective use of the funding and put in place security measures.
In response, President Arroyo voiced her appreciation at Japan's extension of economic cooperation to the Philippines under difficult financial circumstances and stated that she was fully aware that the economic cooperation provided by Japan was funded by the Japanese taxpayer, pledging to make effective use of the assistance and also expressing the intention to make specific efforts to improve local security.
5. Regional Security
President Arroyo stated that the presence of the United States was an important factor in the stability of the Asian and Pacific region and welcomed the strengthening of relations between Japan and the US in the area of security, to which Prime Minister Koizumi responded that the presence of the US was a factor in the security not only of Japan but also of the region as a whole and not just of Japan.
6. The Issue of "Comfort Women"
Prime Minister Koizumi stated that, although the activities of the Asian Women's Fund (AWF) carried out under a five-year plan since 1996 would soon come to an end, with the cooperation of the Philippines they have been implemented successfully, and that he would continue to take an interest in this issue. President Arroyo responded by expressing her appreciation that Japan would continue to take an interest in the issue.
(End)
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