Meeting between Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Alejandro Foxley, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile

March 28, 2007

On March 27 (Tue), Mr. Taro Aso, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held talks with Dr. Alejandro Foxley, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Chile, from 19:00 to 19:30 at Iikura House. After the meeting, the Ministers signed the Japan-Chile Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and issued a Joint Foreign Ministerial Statement.

1. Opening Remarks
Mr. Aso, noting that this year marks the 110th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation between Japan and Chile, welcomed the friendly relationship between the two countries that has been maintained for long years, and expressed his intention to continue efforts to further enhance the cooperative bilateral relationship as partners sharing basic values such as democracy and human rights. Dr. Foxley said that he intended to take advantage of the 110th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity to develop relations with Japan drastically, not only in economic but also in political and various other fields, and added that as both countries share many values such as democracy, he welcomed the greater presence of Japan in Latin America.

2. Japan-Chile EPA
Mr. Aso welcomed the signing of the Japan-Chile EPA on March 27 and expressed he hoped that the two countries would develop broader bilateral relations with the conclusion of the EPA. Dr. Foxley said that he expected that not only bilateral trade but also investment into Chile from Japan would be increased dramatically with this Agreement.

3. VIP Visits
Mr. Aso expressed the Japanese Government’s intention to invite President Michelle Bachelet during FY2007 and suggested that the specific timing of her visit would be determined between the both sides. Dr. Foxley expressed appreciation for the invitation and said that he also strongly hoped for Mr. Aso’s visit to Chile.

4. Digital Television
In view of the decision on digital television system in Chile, Mr. Aso explained special features of the Japanese system by sing a cell phone.

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