Japan-Italy Summit Talks (Outline)
April 2, 2009
Prime Minister Taro Aso, who was in London to attend the Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy, held Summit Talks with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for about 30 minutes from 3:50 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. (BST) on April 1, 2009 (Wednesday). The summary of the meeting is as follows:
1. Global Economic and Financial Crisis
The two leaders agreed that it is important to appropriately implement the outcomes of the forthcoming Summit so that the current global turmoil in financial markets will not be repeated. Prime Minister Aso stated that each country needs to implement fiscal and monetary policies as necessary, referring to the stimulus package Japan has already carried out and another package Japan will devise in the future. Prime Minister Berlusconi appreciated and welcomed Japan's large-scale economic measures. He also explained a number of Italy's stimulus measures, including support for low-income earners and the unemployed, and the easing of construction standards for house buildings aimed at revitalizing the construction industry.
2. Afghanistan and Pakistan
Prime Minister Aso stated that US President Barack Obama showed great interest in the situation in Afghanistan when the two leaders met in the United States in February. Prime Minister Aso said that the stability of Pakistan as a neighboring country is essential for solving the problems in Afghanistan and that Japan will make efforts to that end. He then asked Prime Minister Berlusconi for cooperation towards a successful outcome of the Pakistan Donors Conference Japan will host on 17th of this month in Tokyo. Prime Minister Berlusconi explained Italy's policies for the stabilization of Afghanistan and appreciated Japan's initiative on Pakistan. He stated that Italy recognizes the importance of supporting Pakistan and that he will send a special representative to the Conference in Tokyo and consider the possibilities of additional assistance.
3. North Korea
The two leaders agreed that a missile launch by North Korea could not be tolerated as it would pose a threat to the peace and stability of the region and constitute a violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions. They also agreed that if North Korea went ahead with the launch, it should be discussed in the United Nations Security Council.
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