Outline of the Japan-US Summit Meeting

The following is an outline of the Japan-US Summit Meeting of 18 February 2002.

1. Overall Japan-US Relations

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi welcomed the visit to Japan by President George Walker Bush and stated that Japan was also in the process of tackling the same major issues that the President outlined in his State of the Union Address; the fight against terrorism, homeland security and economic revitalization.

President Bush stated that Japan-US relations are important not only for the two countries, but also for the entire world. The President also expressed his gratitude to the people of Japan for the solidarity they have demonstrated since the September 11th terrorist attacks.

2. The Economy

(1) Prime Minister Koizumi stated that revitalizing the Japanese economy is the top priority issue of the Koizumi Cabinet. The Prime Minister also mentioned that the reform was steadily in progress, and that there would be no loosening in the process of the reform and its pace would be accelerated in the time to come. The Prime Minister also stated that he would take new comprehensive measures to deal with deflation, which included measures in the financial sector and the disposal of non-performing loans. He also emphasized the importance of taking an approach with the correct goals while maintaining hope and confidence.

(2) President Bush stressed the importance of ensuring the soundness of the Japanese economy, the second largest economy in the world. The President stated that he strongly supported the efforts by Prime Minister Koizumi to realize the necessary reform.

3. The Fight Against Terrorism

(1) Regarding Iran, Iraq and North Korea, which were mentioned in the State of the Union Address, President Bush explained that the international community needs to cooperate in order to bring about a change in the behavior patterns of those nations, and that although the United States did not exclude any options, he intended to reach a peaceful solution by continuing diplomatic efforts.

(2) For his part, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that Japan intended to participate actively in the efforts for peace undertaken by the international community. As for policies regarding North Korea, he stated that it is most important to support President Kim Dae Jung's engagement policy and to maintain close consultation and coordination among Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea. President Bush shared the same view. Furthermore, regarding policies towards Iran, Prime Minister Koizumi explained the importance of continuing to urge the country to work on concerns such as Weapons of Mass Destruction while at the same time supporting the reform in that country. With regard to Iraq, Prime Minister Koizumi explained that is important for the international community to take a cooperative approach. President Bush responded that the United States would maintain close communication with Japan and that the role of Japan was an important one.

(3) Prime Minister Koizumi stated that Japan could play a different role than the United States regarding Afghanistan and that Japan intended to provide support for refugee assistance, health, medical care and education. President Bush expressed his appreciation to Japan for hosting the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan, and stated that he would maintain close consultations with Japan in the fight against terrorism.

4. Okinawa, Peacekeeping Operations (PKO)

Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he would like the Ministers of both sides to have discussions with a view of reducing the burden on Okinawan people, and President Bush responded that he would like to engage in constructive discussion on issues related to Okinawa, and would see to it that close discussions take place on this issue at the ministerial-level. Furthermore, the President expressed his gratitude to Japan for its role in East Timor and for the role played by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the international community.

5. The Environment

President Bush stated that although the United States could not accept the Kyoto Protocol, Japan and the United States do share the same goals regarding the issue of global warming. He further stated that the new proposal by the United States aimed to achieve economic growth and environmental protection and that there would be a possible area for new cooperation between Japan and the United States in terms of technological development.

Prime Minister Koizumi appreciated the constructive proposal put forward by the United States. The Prime Minister explained that Japan was aiming to ratify the Kyoto Protocol during the current session of the Diet and that his Cabinet was also aiming for both environmental protection and development, stating that the role of science and technology was important. The Prime Minister further mentioned that he hoped to see further efforts made on the part of the United States and that it is important for Japan and the United States, as well as other nations of the world, to work together with developing nations, and that he would maintain close consultations with the United States.

6. Regional Situations

(1) Southeast Asia

Prime Minister Koizumi explained that his visit to the nations of Southeast Asia at the beginning of this year had given him a real sense of the development of solidarity in the fight against terrorism, while reinforcing his sense of strong expectations placed on Japan and realizing anew the importance of achieving a revitalization of the Japanese economy.

(2) India and Pakistan

Prime Minister Koizumi explained that, in recognition of the importance of providing assistance to the nations surrounding Afghanistan, the economic measures taken against India and Pakistan in response to their nuclear tests had been discontinued. On the issue of Kashmir, the Prime Minister stressed that it was important to call upon both nations to take a calm approach and resolve the issue peacefully.

(3) China and the Korean Peninsula

Prime Minister Koizumi stressed the importance of China's stable development and that enhanced relations of mutual dependence between China and the international community as a result of China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other developments is important not only for China but also for the rest of the world, and that Japan intended to further develop its relations with China. The Prime Minister also stated that it was important for Japan as well that the United States build good relations with China and the Republic of Korea. The Prime Minister noted that there is the issue of abduction between Japan and North Korea. President Bush noted that the United States has good relations with China and the Republic of Korea.