Meeting between Mr. Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan, and Mr. François Fillon, Prime Minister of the French Republic

July 16, 2010
Japanese

Mr. François Fillon, Prime Minister of the French Republic(Photo)

(Photos: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

Mr. Naoto Kan, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting and a luncheon with H.E. Mr. François Fillon, Prime Minister of the French Republic, from about noon to 1:30 p.m. on July 16 (Fri). The two leaders exchanged opinions on the world economy, among other topics. The overview is as follows. From the Japanese side, Mr. Yoshito Sengoku, Chief Cabinet Secretary (for the meeting only), Mr. Masayuki Naoshima, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Yoshihiko Noda, Minister of Finance, Mr. Tetsuro Fukuyama, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Hisashi Tokunaga, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, and others also attended.

At the start of the meeting Prime Minister Kan welcomed Prime Minister Fillon, who is visiting Japan for the first time in two years, and said that he was happy to welcome the Prime Minister of France, the host country of the G8 and G20 Summits next year. In response, Prime Minister Fillon stated that this was his second visit to Japan since assuming office and he was happy to meet Prime Minister Kan. Additionally, Prime Minister Fillon stated that Japan and France shared many common values and took the same position on various international issues, and he would like to further develop political dialogue. He also stated that he would like to invite Prime Minister Kan to visit France and Prime Minister Kan responded that he would like to visit France if the domestic situation allowed it.
(Economic situation, global governance)

(1) Prime Minister Fillon explained the situation surrounding the euro and the European economic situation. He stated that the entire Europe was making concerted efforts, led by France and Germany, so there was nothing to be worried about. Prime Minister Kan explained the new administration’s basic policy on fiscal management, stated that he would clarify the mid-term path to restore fiscal health with the Fiscal Management Strategy, and realize growth through the New Growth Strategy. The two prime ministers agreed that it was necessary to advance economic management with an emphasis on both fiscal restoration and growth.

(2) Prime Minister Fillon stated regarding next year’s G8 and G20 Summits that as the host country France would place emphasis on issues of global governance and financial regulations. Prime Minister Kan stated that Japan would cooperate closely with France, the host country, for the resolution of various international issues and toward the sustainable growth of the world economy. Additionally, he stated that Japan placed importance on the United Nations Security Council reform and expressed gratitude for France’s support for Japan to become a permanent member of the Security Council.
(Japan-France and Japan-EU relations)

(1) Prime Minister Kan stated the Japan-France economic relations were close, but in order to further strengthen relations, Japan would aim to conclude a Japan-EU economic partnership agreement (EPA). In response, Prime Minister Fillon stated that France supported a Japan-UE EPA and expressed hope that there would also be development in non tariff areas as well.

(2) In relation to Japan-France cooperation in the nuclear field, Prime Minister Fillon stated that the French Government had high expectations for Mitsubishi’s capital participation in the French company Areva, and hoped that there would be active cooperation between the two countries on this and other matters. Prime Minister Kan and Minister Naoshima responded that Japan would advance cooperation while taking into consideration nuclear non-proliferation and safety issues.

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