Japan-Slovenia Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister Abe and President Pahor of Slovenia
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On October 23, commencing at 9:05 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Borut Pahor, President of the Republic of Slovenia during his visit to Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Attendees of the meeting from Japanese side are Mr. OKADA Naoki, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary and others, and from the Slovenian side Dr. Alja Brglez, Head of the Cabinet of the President, H.E. Dr. Ana Polak Petrič, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Slovenia to Japan, and others.
1. Opening remarks
Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Pahor’s visit to Japan on the occasion of the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor. Prime Minister Abe stated, “Japan and Slovenia have very friendly relationship with increasing high-level visits and expanding economic relations.” President Pahor stated , “I am honored to attend the excellent event.”
2. Bilateral relations
Prime Minister Abe stated, “Slovenia is an important partner for Japan that shares fundamental values and the importance of maintaining integrity in Europe.” Prime Minister Abe also stated, “We hope Japan and Slovenia, a country which is strong in the IT and advanced technology fields and has geographical advantages in European logistics, can work together toward further expanding the economic relationship.” In response, President Pahor stated “Though Slovenia and Japan maintain friendly bilateral relations, there is a room for expansion. Slovenia would like to cooperate with Japan to further promote political and economic relations and also exchanges in science and technology fields. Also, Slovenia highly evaluates Japanese business culture, with which Japanese companies fit into Slovenian locals. Slovenia welcomes expansion of investment from Japan.” Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe and President Pahor exchanged and shared the views that they would cooperate to expand bilateral exchanges toward the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
3. Western Balkans
President Pahor stated, “Slovenia maintains friendly relationship with countries of Western Balkans. Slovenia would like to cooperate with Japan in regard to Western Balkans.” Whereas, Prime Minister Abe stated, “Japan also recognizes the importance of Western Balkans and therefore launched the Western Balkan cooperation initiative. Japan would like to cooperate with Slovenia, which is located as a gateway to Western Balkans.”
4. North Korea
Prime Minister Abe asked for understanding and support toward the early resolution of the abductions issue, and obtained President Pahor’s understanding. Also, Prime Minister Abe and President Pahor exchanged views about North Korean situation.