Meeting between Foreign Minister of Japan and Foreign Secretary Straw of the United Kingdom
(Summary)

May 18, 2004

On May 14, 2004 (US eastern time) Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi held talks for approximately 15 minutes, with Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Jack Straw of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The meeting was held on the occasion of the G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Washington DC. The following is a summary of the meeting.

1. North Korea

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi informed Secretary Straw of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's upcoming visit to North Korea. She also mentioned emergency assistance equivalent to US$100,000 for the train explosion accident at Ryongchon, through international organizations.

Foreign Secretary Straw noted that on the occasion of the visit of Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Wen Jiabao to the United Kingdom during his visit to Europe, Premier Wen had referred to the Six-Party Talks, and that the United Kingdom appreciated China's constructive role on this matter.

2. Iraq

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi emphasized the importance of the adoption of new United Nations Security Council Resolution as early as possible prior to the transfer of sovereignty to Iraq. Foreign Secretary Straw stated that the U.K. was in consultations with Russia, France and the U.S. and that he had an optimistic view on the issue.

3. Environment

Foreign Secretary Straw noted the challenge of how best to call on Russia to ratify the Kyoto Protocol in order to ensure its entry into force. Foreign Minister Kawaguchi responded that with the second stage of negotiations starting from 2005 Japan would continue to make active efforts on the issue.