Top > Regional Affairs > Asia > Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Visit to the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore > Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting (Outline)

Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting
(Outline)

January 9, 2002

On 9 January at 4:45pm Japan time, a Summit Meeting between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Republic of the Philippines was held at Malacanang Palace (the Office of the President) for approximately one hour. The following is an outline of the Summit Meeting. After the Summit Meeting, both leaders announced respective statements.

1. Japan's New Diplomatic Vision for East Asia

Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he intended to develop Japan's new diplomatic vision for East Asia, based upon the development of relations between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the transformation in the global situation since the symbolic speech by former Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda 25 years ago. The Prime Minister continued that Japan's ultimate goal in its relations with the ASEAN countries, the core of the region, was the creation of a community in which both sides could "act together and advance together" as "sincere and open partners." In addition, he outlined three pillars on which specific cooperation should be carried out: 1) Advancing reform and securing prosperity; 2) Regional stability through coordinated efforts; 3) Cooperation for the future.

President Arroyo expressed her appreciation for the Prime Minister's explanation and highly evaluated Japan's cooperation initiative.

2. Advancing Reform and Securing Prosperity

In addition to outlining Japan's structural reforms, Prime Minister Koizumi also expressed his support for the Philippines' efforts on advancing reform, emphasizing the need for both nations to cooperate in this endeavor. Moreover, the Prime Minister proposed a Initiative for Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership for regional prosperity, aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Japan and Asia across a broad range of areas, including trade, investment, science and technology, education and tourism, adding that he would be seeking agreement on the Concept at the next Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting.

President Arroyo highly evaluated Japan's efforts on reform, expressing her gratitude to the Japanese people who were bearing the pain (of reform) not only for Japan itself, but also for the growth of the global economy. Moreover, the President again expressed her appreciation for Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA), and pledged to ensure the assistance was implemented as efficiently as possible. She also highly evaluated the Initiative for Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

3. Coordinated Efforts toward Regional Stability

(1) Anti-terrorist Measures

Prime Minister Koizumi highly praised President Arroyo's firm resolve against terrorism since the terrorist attacks in the United States, and explained Japan's measures for the eradication of terrorism, adding that Japan will cooperate with the Philippines in the fight against terrorism. The Prime Minister also stated that that Japan will work to build a constructive dialogue with other attending countries and organizations at the Expanded Ministerial Level Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan, to be held in Tokyo later this month.

In addition to highly evaluating Japan's measures against terrorism, President Arroyo stated that she expected Japan to play an extensive role in the area of international security. The President also gave her assurance that the Philippines would be sending a delegation to the Expanded Ministerial Level Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan.

(2) The Mindanao Issue

Prime Minister Koizumi stated that stability in Mindanao continued to be an issue for the whole region, and in order to give indirect support for the solution of the issue, Japan would provide assistance in the humanitarian and basic human needs (BHN) areas.

(3) Measures against Infectious Disease

Prime Minister Koizumi stated, as a part of the Japan-ASEAN Information and Human Network for Infectious Diseases Control (HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria & Parasitic Disease Control) launched at the Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting in 2001, Japan would strengthen cooperation on measures against tuberculosis, with the Philippines as one of the leading ASEAN centers. President Arroyo expressed her appreciation in response to this move.

(4) Japan-Philippines Partnership Program

In addition to jointly expressing their satisfaction on the signing of the Japan-Philippines Partnership Program, both leaders agreed to cooperate to assist East Timor under the framework of the Program.

4. Cooperation for the Future

Prime Minister Koizumi proposed that the year 2003 be designated the Year of Japan-ASEAN Exchange. He also suggested that in close coordination with the nations of the East Asian region, centered on ASEAN + 3 (Japan, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea), an Initiative for Development in East Asia should be held as an opportunity to jointly discuss development policy and disseminate it to the world. President Arroyo highly evaluated this initiative for future cooperation.

5. Others

Prime Minister Koizumi extended an invitation to President Arroyo to visit Japan during FY2002, and called for the Philippine's participation in the 2005 World Exposition, Japan (EXPO 2005 Aichi).

President Arroyo made reference to efforts being made to improve the investment environment in the Philippines, such as improvements to the security situation, and the contribution that the Philippine workforce has made to Japan's ageing society.

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