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Recommendations of the Japan-Hungary Cooperation Forum
to Prime Minister Fukuda and Prime Minister Gyurcsány

After the signing of the Recommendations by the co-chairmem

23 of November, 2007
Japanese

1. Background

The Japan-Hungary Cooperation Forum was established on the basis of the Joint Statement signed by the Prime Ministers of the two countries in Tokyo, in October 2004 in order to enhance dialogue between prominent representatives of both countries from various fields of society. The Joint Statement declares that the Members of the Forum should submit to their respective Prime Ministers a set of proposals on further strengthening the cooperation between the two countries after the third annual conference as a conclusion of their activities.

During its mandate the Forum has made several concrete achievements, for example introduction of new regular internship and scholarship programs, the implementation of a special assistance program for Japanese language education in Hungary, the establishment of a Hungarian cultural and information center located in Tokyo, etc. Bearing these achievements in mind, the Forum adopted its recommendations on the further development of the relations between Japan and Hungary at its third meeting and thus ended its activities. The summary of the discussions and the achievements of each meeting is attached hereby.

2. Recommendations

(1) Under severe financial situations, both the Government of Japan and the Government of Hungary face similar difficulties, i.e. the necessity of reinforcing their competitiveness on the global market, supporting vulnerable groups in their societies, and addressing social disequilibrium. Therefore, referring to the measures taken by each country in tackling such difficulties is worthwhile in forming their adequate economic or social models. Consultations between related government officials and experts of both countries are recommended for that purpose.

(2) It is recommended that Japan and Hungary mutually make further use of their intellectual resources. The promotion of internship and scholarship programs is meaningful in this context. Both countries should make endeavours that such internship and scholarship programs as well as the information related to the possibilities of tuition fee based studies would be known better by students in both countries. It is requested that Hungary offers better conditions for Japan to make use of Hungarian intellectual resources, and thus introduces Japanese technologies as well. For this purpose, both governments should support the deepening of cooperation between Japanese companies and Hungarian academic institutions; further cooperate in the fields of research and development, information technology and venture business; encourage establishing a framework for interactions among Japanese and Hungarian enterprises which would lead to strengthening of human exchanges and cooperation in intellectual fields between both countries as much as possible.

(3) With regard to diplomacy and security policy, it is advantageous for the decision-making bodies of each country to exchange opinions and to have a better understanding on each other's standpoint. From this viewpoint, further active dialogs are encouraged between the two countries, on such occasions as bilateral political consultations, the V4+1, ASEM and the UN.

(4) Since tourism helps mutual understanding between the two peoples, the governments should continue to encourage cooperation in this field. Increase in number of charter flights as well as examination of the possibility of establishing regular direct flight between the two countries are recommended.

(5) Japanese language education in Hungary continues to form a basis of the bilateral relationship. The governments should appreciate the efforts made by those who endeavor to maintain Japanese language education in Hungary and should support these efforts as much as possible. On the other hand the Hungarian side should also provide support to those institutions and language educators, who teach Hungarian in Japan.

(6) As for the introduction and exchange of each culture, the governments should appreciate and support the efforts of those who conduct such activities, since these activities deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries as much as possible. Taking into consideration the mutual interest in both countries towards the culture of each other, the two governments should study cultural affairs based on the medium-long term view.

(7) The year 2009 is the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Hungary as well as the 50th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This year should be regarded as a good opportunity to further promote relations between the two countries. It is strongly expected that initiatives aiming at consolidating bilateral relations will be taken in as many fields as possible for the successful commemoration of the year 2009. The Elisabeth Bridge Light-up Project could be one of the good examples.