Japan-Slovenia Relations

On October 2, commencing at 9:10 a.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Japan-Slovenia Summit Meeting with H.E. Dr. Miro Cerar, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia at the Kyoto International Conference Center. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Cerar’s first visit to Japan and noted that the bilateral relationship is showing steady progress. He also welcomed the signing of the tax convention between Japan and Slovenia, and expressed his expectations that cooperation will be developed in a concrete manner in the economic area, such as the visit of the Keidanren Mission to Slovenia this month, the utilization of the Port of Koper, and projects on smart community.
2. In response, Prime Minister Cerar expressed his expectations that the bilateral economic relation will further deepen through the signing of the tax convention and the visit of the Keidanren Mission, and his hope for an increase in the number of Japanese tourists. He also stated his determination to further strengthen the bilateral relation toward next year’s 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Slovenia.
3. Prime Minister Abe also stated that as Slovenia, like Japan, is a partner that values human security, he hopes to further strengthen collaboration in this area including the mine-clearing program in Bosnia Herzegovina. In response, Prime Minister Cerar expressed the desire to further enhance cooperation in the international arena on such area as human security. Prime Minister Cerar also expressed his support for Japan to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
4. The two leaders exchanged views regarding international affairs including situation in East Asia, and agreed on the importance of the rule of law in the international community.
5. The two leaders also exchanged views on sports exchange, based on the recognition that Prime Minister Cerar’s father was a gold medalist at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964 and that Tokyo will be the host city for the 2020 Games.