Japan-Ireland Summit Meeting
January 15, 2009
Prime Minister Taro Aso held a summit meeting and hosted a dinner for H.E. Mr. Brian Cowen T.D., Prime Minister of Ireland, who is in Japan on an official working visit, at Prime Minister's Official Residence from 6:50 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on January 15, 2009 (Thursday) (JST). The summary of their discussion is as follows:
1. Bilateral Relations
(1) At the outset, Prime Minister Taro Aso welcomed Prime Minister Cowen and the accompanying business delegation to Japan. After touching on the development of bilateral relations since 2007, which marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Prime Minister Aso expressed his hope that Japan will further strengthen relations with Ireland, with whom it shares basic values, as well as common positions on many of the issues facing the international community today. Prime Minister Cowen expressed his gratitude for inviting him to Japan and stated that he hoped for strengthened economic relations between the two countries through this visit. He also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Aso to visit Ireland at a convenient time. Prime Minister Aso appreciated the invitation.
(2) The two leaders agreed that the two countries, building on the past developments in cooperation in various sectors, will provide coordinated development assistance to the education sector in Uganda. The Irish side proposed dispatching peacebuilding experts to Japan. Prime Minister Aso welcomed the proposal.
(3) On bilateral economic relations, the two leaders agreed that the two countries will hold the first round of governmental negotiations in the first half of this year towards an early conclusion of a social security agreement and promote exchanges of experts in information and telecommunication technology between the two countries.
(4) Prime Minister Cowen sought support towards lifting Japan's ban on the import of beef produced in Ireland. Prime Minister Aso replied that he will continue to instruct the government offices concerned to see what Japan can do about it.
2. Strengthening Cooperative Relations in the International Community
(1) On the economic and financial situation, the two leaders agreed that stimulating domestic demand in each country is necessary to overcome the current global economic crisis. Prime Minister explained Japan's stimulus package and stated that Japan will do all it can to bring the WTO Doha Round to an early conclusion and curb protectionism in order to achieve global economic growth through increased trade. Prime Minister Cowen explained the situation in Ireland and stated that his country will continue to invest in plants and equipment and in education and R&D sectors by taking advantage of resources that have been accumulated through the period of high growth. On the need for an early conclusion of WTO negotiations, Prime Minister Cowen shared the determination of Prime Minister Aso.
(2) On climate change, Prime Minister Cowen appreciated the fact that Japan's efforts to establish the Kyoto Protocol had laid the groundwork for common understanding and cooperation among the countries concerned. He said that EU and Japan should address this issue as partners. Prime Minister Aso stated that Japan has proposed reducing global emissions through the "differentiation" of developing countries and sectoral approaches. The two leaders agreed to hold working level consultations on how the two countries should cooperate towards COP15 at the end of this year.
(3) On the issue of disarmament and non-proliferation, Prime Minister Cowen valued the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament (ICNND), which has been established jointly by Japan and Australia, and pledged Ireland's contribution to ICNND. The two leaders confirmed that they will exchange views towards a successful outcome of the 2010 NPT Review Conference.
3. Regional Affairs
(1) On the new US administration, Prime Minister Cowen expressed his view that the new administration is assigning highly capable personnel and will take a realistic approach in every aspect. He said that in that sense, the United States will place a high value on its traditional friendly countries such as Ireland and Japan. Prime Minister Aso concurred that the new US administration is assigning highly capable personnel. He expressed his view that that the administration will concentrate its resources on addressing the current economic crisis for now.
(2) Prime Minister Aso explained the situation surrounding China and North Korea. Prime Minister Cowen stated that he is pleased with the development of Japan-China relations. On North Korea, Prime Minister Cowen said that he empathizes with Japan's stance on the abduction issue and will continue to support Japan in this regard. He expressed his hope that swift progress will be made in the Six-Party Talks.
(3) The two leaders exchanged views on the integration and expansion of the EU. Prime Minister Cowen stated that he will work to win public understanding and achieve a favorable outcome regarding the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.
(4) On the situation in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Aso said Japan deplores the large number of civilian casualties. He stated that although he appreciates the mediation efforts by the UN and the countries concerned, he is watching with great concern the floundering negotiations for a ceasefire. Prime Minister Aso expressed his hope that a lasting ceasefire will be reached through sincere attitudes of the parties concerned. Prime Minister Cowen stated that he totally agrees with Prime Minister Aso and that the international community should be united to address this issue.
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