Countries & Regions
Japan-Denmark Summit Meeting and Dinner
On March 4, commencing at 6:15 p.m. for approximately 50 minutes, Prime Minister Mr. Shinzo held a meeting with Mrs. Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Denmark, who is visiting Japan, followed by a dinner with Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt commencing at 7:20 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes. An overview of the meeting and dinner is as follows:
1. Opening Remarks
(1) Prime Minister Abe mentioned that Japan could learn many things from Denmark, such as renewable energy and women’s participation in society, and stated that both Japan and Denmark share common ground based on a prosperous foundation of open and stable oceans and free trade. Prime Minister Abe also stated that as strategic partners he would like to discuss ways for further deepening coordination between the two countries onthe political,security and economic fronts.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and voiced her expectation that the relationship between the two countries, which are already important partners that share many values, would further develop both politically and economically as a result of the conclusion of the “partnership on growth and innovation”. Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt also stated that the Government of Denmark would strongly support the Japan-EU economic partnership agreement (EPA), which is currently under negotiation.
2. Security/Regional Situation
(1) Prime Minister Abe explained the concept of a “proactive contribution to peace” based on the principle of international cooperation and stated that where the rule of law in the oceans and air space is concerned, Japan and Denmark share common strategic interests. In response, Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt stated that she highly appreciates Japan’s proactive role in global security, and said she supports the “proactive contribution to peace” by the Government of Japan.
(2) Concerning the situation in Ukraine, Prime Minister Abe explained the Government of Japan’s stance of calling strongly for all the concerned parties to behave with self-restraint, completely observe international laws and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. In response, Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt indicated that she feels the same way as Japan concerning the situation of Ukraine and stated that the Government of Russia should come to the negotiating table. She also stated that the Government of Denmark would support the idea that international observers will be dispatched to Ukraine.
(3) In addition to the above, the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in East Asia.
3. Bilateral Relations
(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that the Government of Japan would like to cooperate with Denmark with regard to the Arctic via various frameworks. He also stated that he would like to issue a statement on the strategic partnership as an outcome document of today’s meeting.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Thorning Schmidt stated that it is gratifying that the strategic partnership agreement contributes to the further promotion of bilateral relations.
4. Cooperation in the International Arena
(1) The two leaders shared the view that they would continue to cooperate toward United Nations Security Council reform.
(2) Prime Minister Abe stated that he would like to jointly engage in peace building, women’s participation in society, the North Pole and other issues by utilizing cooperative frameworks with the Nordic-Baltic countries(NB8). In response, Prime Minister Thorning-Schmidt welcomed that cooperation between the NB8 and Japan has been progressing.
5. In the dinner following the meeting, those who have deep ties with Denmark, including Mr. Taro Kono, a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of Japan-Denmark Parliamentary Friendship League, joined the dinner following the meeting. The participants discussed economic relations, initiatives for promoting women’s participation in society in two countries, energy issues in general and other topics in a friendly atmosphere.
