Japan-Luxembourg Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and H.R.H. the Crown Prince Guillaum of Luxembourg
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On October 9, commencing at 3:10 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a meeting with H.R.H. the Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, who is visiting Japan as the head of a business mission. The overview is as follows.
1. At the beginning Prime Minister Abe conveyed his congratulations to Crown Prince Guillaume and Crown Princess Stéphanie, who was also present, on their marriage in fall 2012, stating that the Imperial Family of Japan and the Royal Family of Luxembourg enjoy a very friendly relationship, and the relationship between the two countries is expected to deepen further as a result of this visit. Crown Prince Guillaume extended his condolences to the victims of the eruption of Mount Ontake, and stated that he takes great pleasure in his close relationship with the Imperial Family.
2. Crown Prince Guillaume explained that he was visiting Japan with a economic and trade mission of approximately 80 people led by Mr. Etienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy of Luxembourg, and hoped to further strengthen Luxembourg’s relationship with Japan in fields such as logistics, health and ICT. Prime Minister Abe replied Japan is a country whose economy is growing again and it also welcomes investment from Luxembourg, which has the highest gross domestic product per capita in the world. Prime Minister Abe confirmed he will continue to promote stronger relations in the economic and financial fields.
3. Additionally, based on Luxembourg’s assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the latter half of next year, Prime Minister Abe expressed the expectation over Luxembourg’s leadership as President, toward reaching an agreement on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in 2015. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Schneider, who was also present, explained that Luxembourg emphasizes a free economy and is also open economically, and it also supports a prompt conclusion of the Japan-EU EPA. Deputy Prime Minister Schneider stated that he wants to make an all-out effort to reach an agreement by the end of next year while Luxembourg is President of the Council of the EU.