Outline of Japan-United States Foreign Ministers Meeting
(At Whistler)
June 13, 2002
1. Okinawa and issues involving US Forces in Japan
After stating that the issue of Okinawa is extremely important, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi added that,
1) The steady implementation of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO) Final Report is important. In particular, regarding the relocation of Futenma Air Station, although Japan and the U.S. have their own standpoints regarding the time limit issue, Japan wants to continue efforts toward its early realization;
2) It is important to continue to make efforts to prevent incidents and accidents;
3) It is vitally important to improve the administration of the Status of Forces Agreement procedures.
In response to the above, Secretary of State Colin Powell nodded and stated that he himself maintains an interest in the prevention of the incidents and accidents and would like to follow up on these. He also stated that regarding the Status of Forces Agreement and other issues, he would make efforts as much as possible.
2. North Korea
Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that it is important to continue improving the Japan-North Korea relations. She added that resolution of the issue of the abduction of Japanese nationals is one that is necessary to deal with, and requested the U.S. to explain such Japan's stance on North Korea. In response, Secretary of State Powell expressed his understanding.
3. The Situation in the Middle East
(1) Minister of Foreign Affairs Kawaguchi, based on her recent visit to the Middle East, stated that she keenly felt the seriousness of the lack of mutual trust between the parties involved. She added that the holding of an international conference for Middle East peace is important to avoid losing the momentum needed to resolve the issue.
Secretary of State Powell responded that the administration of President George W. Bush is listening to various voices on the Arab and the Israeli sides, and that Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal of Saudi Arabia is scheduled to visit the U.S. Soon after hearing these various words, President Bush plans to give a message to the American people regarding Middle East Peace. Moreover, there are many delicate issues regarding the holding of an international conference for Middle East peace, including timing, venue and participants. Secretary of State Powell added that the U.S. highly regards Japan's role in economic, humanitarian and other areas.
Furthermore, after stating that reform of the Palestinian Authority should be encouraged by the international community as a whole, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kawaguchi stated that she explained to both the Israeli and Palestinian sides a roadmap connecting Japan's way of thinking regarding this issue, the progress of the peace process and the content of Japan's aid to the Palestinians.
(2) Both parties shared the view to keep in close contact from now on regarding Middle East issues.
4. The Kyoto Protocol
Minister of Foreign Affairs Kawaguchi asked that the U.S. handle this issue in a constructive manner. In response, Secretary of State Powell took note of this.
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