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Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso and President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia

March 9, 2007

Starting at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 9, Minister for Foreign Affairs Taro Aso held an approximately 30-minute meeting with President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia, who was in Japan on an official working visit. The following is an overview of the discussion.

  1. Foreign Minister Aso conveyed that Japan is paying attention to the position and geopolitical significance of Georgia, which is one of the "GUAM" nations, and would like to develop its relations with the country. He also stated that Japan hopes to bring further prosperity to the countries comprising Eurasia by strengthening its relations with these countries and allowing them to utilize Japan's knowledge and experience, and mentioned a speech he had given entitled "Arc of Freedom and Prosperity." President Saakashvili expressed his full support regarding the concept of an "Arc of Freedom and Prosperity." He also said that Japan is a leader among countries aspiring for reforms in the world and that Georgia will consistently support Japan's becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
  2. President Saakashvili explained that the democratic revolution in Georgia is spreading to Ukraine, and that in other nations of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, such as the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well, it has become possible to undertake policies that are independent from the Russian Federation. He also explained that in particular, geopolitical change is occurring in these regions through the development of pipelines and transportation networks that connect eastern and western regions without passing through Russia.
  3. Foreign Minister Aso commented that Asian nations which have incorporated Japanese methods have achieved economic success and growth, and said that Japan would like to contribute to Georgia's development by sharing its experience with Georgia as well.

Visit to Japan by President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia (Press Release)

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