Japan-Canada Foreign Ministers' Meeting
26 June 2008
On Thursday 26 June, beginning at 14:40, Minister for Foreign Affairs Koumura had a twenty-five minute meeting with Foreign Minister Emerson of Canada, who was visiting Kyoto to participate in the G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting.
1. Introduction
Foreign Minister Koumura conveyed his congratulations to Foreign Minister Emerson, who assumed his post as Foreign Minister today, and expressed his wishes for the success of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the hometown of Foreign Minister Emerson. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Koumura requested Canada's support of Japan's bid to host the Olympics in Tokyo in 2016 as well as its bid to host the World Scout Jamboree in 2015 in Yamaguchi City, which is Foreign Minister Koumura's hometown. Foreign Minister Emerson stated that the Canadian Cabinet had been reshuffled the day before (in Canadian time) and that, indeed, it was an honor for him to be meeting Foreign Minister Koumura for his very first bilateral talk since officially assuming the position of Foreign Minister.
2. Bilateral relations
(1) Overall Japan-Canada relations
Foreign Minister Koumura stated that 2008 is a milestone year, celebrating the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada, and that he would like to welcome Prime Minister Harper to Japan as a state guest. Foreign Minister Emerson referred to the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations and stated that the Prime Minister and Mrs. Harper are looking forward to visiting Japan. Foreign Minister Koumura said that, likewise, Prime Minister Fukuda is looking forward to the visit of Prime Minister Harper.
(2) Japan-Canada economic relations
Foreign Minister Koumura stated that in order to further invigorate and bring the bilateral economic relations of Japan and Canada even closer, he would like to advance the Japan-Canada relationship through cooperation in the energy sector as well as through dialogue on trade and investment, which is to be launched later. In response, Foreign Minister Emerson stated that Canada has great potential in energy sector resources and that Canada has abundant natural resources, including petroleum, gas, coal and diamonds in its northern regions. In addition, Foreign Minister Emerson also highlighted Canada's economic appeal, stating that Canada excelled in the sector of clean energy as well as traditional energy, and against such background, he expressed his intention to deepen Japan-Canada economic relations.
3. Cooperation on global issues
Foreign Minister Emerson stated that Canada was a peacemaker and not a war-maker and that he understood that Japan and Canada held the same position, and that he intended for both countries to cooperate together. For his part Foreign Minister Koumura stated that as a nation that cooperates for peace, Japan would continue to make efforts, and that he intended to deepen cooperation with Canada, a nation that stands in the same position.
4. Situation in Afghanistan
Foreign Minister Koumura stated that the recently-developed Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS) needed to be steadfastly implemented and that there was a need for the G8 to strengthen its commitment to assistance towards the border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Foreign Minister Emerson expressed his respect to the role being played by Foreign Minister Koumura as the G8 Chair, and expressed his appreciation for the assistance for the reconstruction in Afghanistan provided by Japan, and for its actions such as the refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Emerson expressed his hope for further strengthening the Japan-Canada Partnership in Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Koumura responded that Japan had pledged US$2 billion in assistance for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, with US$1.42 billion already having been implemented. Furthermore, the Foreign Minister stated that Japan was undertaking efforts to ensure disbandment of illegally armed groups (DIAG).
5. Myanmar
Both Ministers agreed in their intention to cooperate to assist Myanmar following the cyclone disaster there.
6. Zimbabwe
Both Foreign Ministers shared concern regarding the current situation prevailing in Zimbabwe.
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