Visit to Japan of His Excellency Mr. David Oddsson, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iceland
(Overview and Evaluation)
January 2003
H. E. Mr. David Oddsson, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iceland, made a visit to Japan as an unofficial guest through January 13 to 19. The following is an overview and evaluation of the visit.
1. Overview
(1) Summit Meeting:
Prime Minister Oddsson and Prime Minister Koizumi exchanged views on various issues, including the domestic situation in both countries, whaling, and environmental issues.
(2) Promotion of tourism:
Iceland is enthusiastic about the promotion of tourism. Prime Minister Oddsson had talks with Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Chikage Oogi on the development and strengthening of bilateral tourist exchange and also had discussions with Chairman of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Koji Shinmachi and others.
(3) Establishment of Chamber of Commerce and Industry:
On January 14 a ceremony to commemorate the establishment of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce and Industry was held at the Embassy of Iceland with the attendance of Prime Minister Oddsson and representatives of Japanese companies that have close ties with Iceland. In economic matters, Prime Minister Oddsson also had a meeting with Chairman of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Osamu Watanabe.
(4) Visit to Saitama Prefecture:
Prime Minister Oddsson and Mrs. Oddsson paid a visit to Saitama Prefecture, where they were welcomed by Governor of Saitama Prefecture Yoshihiko Tsuchiya as well as many organizations in the prefecture. Prime Minister Oddsson also engaged in various political-level exchange, including a dinner hosted by the Japan-Iceland Parliamentary Friendship League and a courtesy breakfast meeting with a delegation of Diet members from the New Komeito (Note: New Komeito is one of the Japanese political parties).
(5) Visit to the Imperial Palace:
On January 16 Prime Minister Oddsson and Mrs. Oddsson had an audience with Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.
2. Evaluation
(1) Relations between Japan and the Republic of Iceland have been steadily deepening since they both established embassies in each other's capital in 2002. During his visit to Japan this time, Prime Minister Oddsson energetically held meetings with related persons in the political, economic, and other fields, including Prime Minister Koizumi, Governor Tsuchiya of Saitama Prefecture, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Oogi. As a result, the visit strengthened mutual trust between the two countries at the individual level and was an important opportunity to further deepen friendly bilateral relations.
(2) From the perspective of bilateral economic relations, the establishment of the Iceland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which will play as an important pipeline in bilateral economic ties from now on, was extremely significant. Furthermore, it was also significant that Prime Minister Oddsson and JETRO Chairman Watanabe had a forward-looking exchange of opinions on economic cooperation between the two countries.
(3) Regarding the promotion of tourism, in the meeting between Prime Minister Oddsson and Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Oogi, Japan's "Visit Japan 2003" concept was introduced, and also their discussions covered such topics as the active utilization of direct charter flights. In addition, Prime Minister Oddsson had discussions with the JATA chairman. These discussions had created a concrete foothold for the further strengthening of tourism between the two countries.
Back to Index
