ACTION AGENDA 21: THE UK AND JAPAN IN THE 21st CENTURY

Summary

Foreign Ministers Cook and Koumura launched the new "Action Agenda 21" in Tokyo on 6 September. The 21st Century offers new opportunities for the special partnership between the United Kingdom and Japan. Japan is at the heart of the United Kingdom's policy towards the Asia Pacific region. The United Kingdom remains Japan's partner of choice in Europe. Building on the "Common Vision for the 21st Century" announced by both Prime Ministers in Tokyo in January 1998, "Action Agenda 21" outlines 21 areas for practical cooperation.

1. PEOPLE-to-PEOPLE LINKS

People-to-people links are the basis of the relationship. In order to strengthen them further, we will encourage cooperation in areas including:
-- the introduction of a scheme for young British and Japanese people to experience each other's culture and lifestyle; during their stay they will be able to take temporary work to supplement the funds for their stay;
-- Japan 2001, a major series of Japanese cultural, educational and sporting events throughout the UK in 2001 with particular emphasis on participation, will follow Festival UK98;
-- strengthening Parliamentary links including through a second UK-Japan Parliamentary seminar in the UK this Autumn.

2. MUTUAL PROSPERITY

Both countries face common challenges. In order to enhance prosperity in the 21st Century, we will work together in areas including:
-- close cooperation in the next round of negotiations to be launched at the WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle;
-- early conclusion of a social security agreement between the UK and Japan, already initialled, to improve conditions for those living and working in each country;
-- promotion of PFI in public services and training by both public and private sectors.

3. A BETTER WORLD

Both countries will work for a successful G8 Kyushu-Okinawa Summit. In tackling global issues, while focussing on conflict prevention, peacekeeping and human security, we will cooperate in areas such as:
-- reform of the UN. The UK reiterates her strong support for the early realisation of Japan's permanent membership of the Security Council;
-- seeking opportunities for collaboration on humanitarian and development assistance in third countries. They will host a second seminar in the UK on economic development in South Asia; the UK will award a scholarship for development studies for Japanese students;
-- taking account of the recommendations of the "Tokyo Forum," there will be close cooperation on non-proliferation and disarmament issues including initiatives on small arms;
-- holding regular consultations on human rights issues, and seeking opportunities for joint projects in third countries.