Remarks by Mr. Taro ASO, the Minister for Foreign Affairs
On the Occasion of the Signing Ceremony of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the European Atomic Energy Community for the Joint Implementation of the Broader Approach Activities in the Field of Fusion Energy Research

February 5, 2007
Japanese

Your Excellency Mr. Richardson, the Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan,
Your Excellencies the Ambassadors to Japan,
Members of the parliamentary group for fusion energy promotion of the Liberal Democratic Party,
Representatives from relevant local governments and the academic community,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen;

On the occasion of today's signing ceremony, I would like to address a few words.

Global issues such as the environment and energy are becoming more and more serious in recent years. We must make every effort not to leave these issues to our younger generation as a negative inheritance. From such point of view, our country and EURATOM aim at utilizing fusion as an energy source through ITER Project, as well as the Broader Approach Activities which we are just about to sign today. Once fusion energy is realized, it will help us secure a permanent energy source for future mankind, so that we can leave to our posterity a world that is better than today's.

I am confident that both Japan and EURATOM keep playing leading roles in the field of fusion research and development through the implementation of the ITER Project and the Broader Approach Activities. Our country will intensify cooperation with Europe, a strategic partner with whom we share fundamental values, in wide-ranging fields including the area of science and technology, like fusion.

In concluding my remarks I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all of you attending today's ceremony for the endeavors you have made up to this day. I would also like to ask you for your continuous support to the Broader Approach Activities.

Thank you very much for your kind attention.