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Summary of the Japan-Germany Bilateral Leaders' Meeting

July 21, 2000
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. Time and Place

From 18:00 to 18:13, July 21, 2000, at the third floor library, Busena Terrace Hotel

2. Summary of Meeting

A. Visit to Miyakojima

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori thanked German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for his visit to the island of Miyakojima, noting that his visit was a great present for the people of that island. Chancellor Schroeder responded that Miyakojima was a wonderful island, and he was welcomed most warmly by the islanders and had a splendid time there. He was particularly moved by the many children that greeted him waving German flags.

B. Japanese-German Relations

Prime Minister Mori noted the excellent state of bilateral relations, with the ongoing "Year of Japan in Germany" cultural event and the launching of the Working Holiday Maker Program between the two nations on December 1 this year. Chancellor Schroeder noted that the agreement on working holidays was proof of the closeness of exchange between Germany and Japan.

C. United Nations Reform

Prime Minister Mori expressed his desire to take advantage of the United Nations Millennium Assembly to be held in September and other related events to move forward with efforts to achieve the reform of the U.N. Security Council as soon as possible. He also hopes to carry out discussion on the fair and equitable assessed distribution of the cost burden for U.N. activities, and will seek to confirm at the G8 Summit the need to promote U.N. reform. In response, Chancellor Schroeder expressed his strong approval of the Japanese position.

D. WTO

Chancellor Schroeder noted that both Japan and Germany are exporting nations that place emphasis on free trade and that he hoped to see the nations cooperate closely toward launching the new WTO round. Prime Minister Mori responded that he wanted the Summit participants to include a statement that they would make efforts toward the early launch of a new round in the overall agreement to be reached at the meeting.

E. The Situation on the Korean Peninsula

Prime Minister Mori stated that he welcomes the recent moves by North Korea to participate more actively in international society. He added that talks between the foreign ministers of Japan and North Korea are scheduled for the end of July, and although the process of reunification on the Korean Peninsula may be long, he hoped to see the G8 support the efforts being made in that direction. Chancellor Schroeder agreed with this, stating that the situation on the Korean Peninsula was especially important because this Summit was being held in Asia.

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