Talks between Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and Mr. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic

February 15, 2007

On February 14 (Wed), Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held talks with Mr. Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, at the Prime Minister's Office for about 45 minutes starting at about 18:10.
Mr. Abe stated that the Japan-Czech relationship, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the rapprochement of diplomatic relations, is extremely good, and expressed his hope for the further enhancement of the relationship. He also stated that he would like to cooperate with the Czech Republic on global issues, as partners sharing basic values such as freedom, democracy, fundamental human rights and rule of law.
In response, President Klaus welcomed the rapid advance of the Japan-Czech relationship centering on economic relations, and indicated his expectation of Japanese enterprises' further investment.
The two leaders exchanged views on the situation of North Korea, Japan-NATO cooperation, and UN Security Council reform. They agreed that they would further advance the dialogue and cooperation between the Visegrad Group (V4: Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia) and Japan (V4+1).