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(translation)

The Second Round of Heads Level Negotiations for the Agreement between Japan and the United Mexican States for the Strengthening of the Bilateral Economic Partnership

February 19th, 2003

  1. The Second Round of Heads Level Negotiations for the Agreement between Japan and the United Mexican States for the Strengthening of the Bilateral Economic Partnership was held in Tokyo on 17th and 19th February, 2003.
  2. The Japanese delegation was headed by Mr. Ryuichiro Yamazaki, Ambassador for International Trade and Economy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and representatives of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and other related ministries and agencies participated. The Mexican delegation was headed by Mr. Angel Villalobos, Under Secretary of International Trade Negotiation of the Ministry of Economy. The two delegations had discussions in a constructive and friendly manner.
  3. Both sides reached a consensus on the structure (*1) and the timetable (*2) of the negotiations. Both sides recalled the joint announcement between Prime Minister Koizumi and President Fox stating that both governments should make maximum efforts to finish the negotiations in substance as soon as possible with a target of approximately one year period. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the efforts towards continuing discussions on the draft texts presented from both sides and accelerating the process related to market access issues.
  4. At this round, the Negotiations at the Working Levels were held back to back with the Heads Level Negotiations and took up various issues including draft texts of the agreement.
  5. Next round of the Heads Level Negotiations will be held in May, 2003 in Mexico City.

(*1) Negotiations will take place at three levels: Heads Level Negotiations, Plenary Meetings and Expert Groups at working level.

(*2) Heads Level Negotiations will be held approximately every three months. The Negotiations at the Working Levels (Plenary Meetings and Expert Groups) will be organized in principle every month.

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