Japan-Luxembourg Relations
Japan-Luxembourg Summit Meeting
（Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office）
（Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office）
（Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office）
On July 17, commencing at 5:40 p.m. for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister, Minister for Communications and Media, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, who is currently visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. In addition, the Joint Statement on Economic Relations (attachment) (French (PDF)
/ Japanese (PDF)) was issued at the meeting.
（Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office）
1. Opening Remarks
Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Bettel to Japan, and appreciated that Prime Minister Bettel chose Japan as his first country to visit outside the European Union (EU) since Luxembourg assumed the presidency of the Council of the EU in July.
In response, Prime Minister Bettel expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Abe’s invitation and hospitality. He explained that he was overjoyed to be able to visit Japan as the EU Presidency, which represents the 500 million people of the EU, and noted that the bilateral relations, including the relationship between the Imperial Family of Japan and the Grand Ducal Family of Luxembourg, is extremely friendly. In addition, Prime Minister Bettel also asked Prime Minister Abe to visit Luxembourg.
2. Japan-EU Relations
Prime Minister Abe expressed his respect for Luxembourg’s promotion of European integration since the establishment of the EU, noting that three European Commission Presidents, including H.E. Jean-Claude Juncker, actual President of the European Commission, are from Luxembourg and stated that he held high expectations for Luxembourg’s leadership during its EU Presidency.
Prime Minister Bettel stated that during its EU Presidency Luxembourg intended to make utmost efforts to strengthen not only bilateral but also Japan-EU relations. The two leaders affirmed that they would strive to realize an agreement in principle on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) during this year.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe requested Luxembourg’s cooperation abolishing or easing restrictions on importing food and other items produced in Japan, including items produced in Fukushima Prefecture. Prime Minister Bettel expressed the view that he personally was a witness that such items are not harmful, and explained that he did not want to see victims suffer and intended to work toward simplification.
3. Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Abe explained that Japan had returned as a country which can enjoy economic growth. He expressed his intention to deepen economic relations and strengthen cooperation between private-sector companies also so that both countries can grow, and explained that a Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) mission will be dispatched to Luxembourg in October. Prime Minister Abe also explained the Peace and Security Legislation currently under deliberation in the Diet, and stated that he hoped to cooperate on the United Nations (UN) Security Council reform and counterterrorism.
In response, Prime Minister Bettel expressed his support for Prime Minister Abe’s efforts stating that implementing necessary policies though unpopular is the role of the politician. Prime Minister Bettel expressed his intention to strengthen the bilateral relationship in such fields as information and communications technology as well as finance. Prime Minister Bettel also expressed his intention to cooperate on the UN Security Council reform and counterterrorism.
4. Regional Affairs
(1) Ukraine and Russia
The two leaders affirmed the need for all the concerned parties to comply with the Minsk agreements, and the importance of ongoing dialogues with Russia, including at the leader level. Prime Minister Bettel also expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support for Ukraine’s reform efforts.
(2) Greece
Prime Minister Bettel explained that the EU was working together to resolve the Greece crisis.
(3) East Asia situation
Prime Minister Abe explained the East Asia situation, and Prime Minister Bettel expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Abe’s efforts.