Japan-Mexico Joint Statement on the State Visit to Japan of President Vicente Fox Quesada of the United Mexican States

- Strategic Partnership across the Pacific between Japan and Mexico in the New Millenium -

1. Japan and the United Mexican States have constructed enduring, and mature friendly cooperative relations throughout the past more than 400 years of their history of exchange, overcoming their geographical distance, separated by the Pacific Ocean.
2. On the occasion of the visit to Japan of President Vicente Fox Quesada of Mexico as a state guest, Japan and Mexico have decided to construct a partnership toward the new age and facilitate closer political dialogue and cooperative relations, aiming at further promoting their prospering relations for the benefit of the nationals of both countries.
3. Japan and Mexico expressed their strong determination on giving their utmost efforts to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the international community, sharing the basic value of democracy and human rights as well as the vision for liberal and open economy which pursues the social welfare the leaders.

Bilateral Relations

4. Both leaders confirmed that their bilateral relations are in extremely good condition in areas including politics, economics, culture and cooperation. They shared the view of enhancing and deepening the political dialogue between the two countries by implementing more systematic exchange of government-related personnel at all levels. Furthermore, both leaders acknowledged the importance of the role played by exchange between the people in the political, economic and academic circles, and the general public for the development of the bilateral relations.
5. Regarding the economic area, in consideration of the huge potential on the exchanges between the two countries, the leaders shared a recognition of the benefits that would be generated from strengthening their relations in trade and investment. In particular, the leaders shared the view that fully utilizing the mutually complementary nature of their economies is effective for strengthening the competitiveness of both countries and promoting economic development.
6. From such a standpoint, Japan and Mexico are negotiating on the Japan-Mexico Economic Partnership Agreement, which will mark a valuable step to a new level of economic relations for the two countries. Both leaders acknowledged that, the vigorous negotiations over the past year, have deepened their discussions, though some important issues remain to be solved. At the some time in consideration of the intention of the two leaders to show flexibility mutually, both governments shared the view on holding consultations about the future process of the negotiations.
7. With regards to the economic cooperation area, both leaders confirmed that the technical cooperation between Japan and Mexico greatly contributed to the exchanges of knowledge and experience. At the same time, President Fox recalled that these exchanges enabled technical transfers in areas of priority for the development of Mexico. These areas include public health, agriculture, technical training, the environment, natural resources, enhancing the capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), human resource development and specialization.
8. From such a standpoint, both leaders welcomed the signing of the Under this program, Japan and Mexico will jointly implement appropriate technical cooperation for the benefit of third countries, mainly Latin America and Caribbean countries, in order to make their bilateral cooperation more fruitful.
9. In respect of the cultural area, the leaders both welcomed that Japan and Mexico, both rich in culture and tradition, are mutually increasing understanding of each other. They also confirmed the importance of further activating cultural exchanges so that the nationals of both countries can be more familiar with one another. From this perspective, the Mexican side has welcomed Japan announcing its participation as the honorable invited country to the 2005 Cervantino International Art Festival. The Japanese side, on the other hand, welcomed the participation of Mexico to the 2005 World Exposition (Exposition of Global Harmony), which will be held in Aichi Prefecture.

Multilateral Cooperation

10. Both leaders frankly exchanged opinions on the most urgent issues in the international agenda and shared the view of enhancing their dialogue and cooperation in international organizations.
11. Regarding the United Nations, the leaders acknowledged the need to urgently promote reforms to enhance the functions of the United Nations, especially of the General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council, so that it can effectively carry out its role in the area of international peace and stability as well as economic and social development. In addition, the leaders shared the view of cooperating further so as to promote the UN reform process. They also emphasized the reed to continue their efforts to achieve the goals and commitments set out at the Millennium Summit and the International Conference on Financing for Development.
12. The leaders shared a common view on the need for both countries to cooperate as responsible members of the international community for coping with global challenges such as combating terrorism, environmental protection, promotion and protection of human rights, measures against corruption and drugs as well as measures to fight infectious diseases for the security and welfare of the people.
13. Strong emphasis was specifically placed on the importance of international cooperation concerning environmental issues as well as the protection and sustainable use of natural resources. Therefore, the leaders decided to continue the bilateral consultations on issues of common concern, including climate change, biodiversity, cleaning up the environment, sustainable management of forests, and water and living marine resources. The Mexican side lauded the role Japan played in leading to success the 3rd World Water Forum held in Japan this March. The Japanese side welcomed Mexico being designated as the host country for the 4th World Water Forum and expressed hopes for its success. Specifically, both leaders welcomed the upcoming bilateral consultations between Japan and Mexico on the issue of whaling with the aim of promoting their mutual understanding.
14. Both leaders welcomed the start of signing of the United Nations Corruption Prevention Treaty (tentative) at the high-level political conference, which will be held in Merida, Mexico from 9 to 11 December 2003.
15. Japan and Mexico are both convinced that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction is a threat and that the international community needs to coordinate and make further efforts through relevant international organizations. Both leaders expressed their deep concern on the North Korean nuclear issues and have shared a common view on the need for resolution through dialogue. President Fox expressed his understanding of the position of Japan regarding the issue of abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea and also his understanding and support for the efforts of Japan in working to resolve this issue.
16. The leaders discussed widely the situation of Iraq and the Middle East peace process. Both leaders shared the view that the reconstruction of Iraq has to be dealt constructively and expeditiously by the international community and that the United Nations should take a vital role in this effort. Regarding the situation on the Middle East peace process, the leaders wished for the relevant parties to make the greatest effort possible to resume the implementation of the roadmap for constructing the basis of a fair and sustainable peace in the region.
17. In the area of multilateral economic negotiations, Prime Minister Koizumi positively evaluated the leadership shown by Mexico as the host country of the 5th WTO Ministerial Conference, which was held in Cancun in September 2003. Japan and Mexico shared the view on the need to continue strengthening their open and rules-based multilateral trade systems and decided to cooperatively work toward a successful conclusion of negotiations on the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) of the WTO by January 2005.
18. Prime Minister Koizumi positively evaluated the role Mexico played as the chair and host country in the APEC process, including the summit meeting in Los Cabos in 2002. Both leaders reaffirmed their intention to achieve concrete results at the APEC Leaders' Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand from 20 to 21 October.
19. Both leaders noted the need that the benefits, generated from the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region, reach all people. They specifically placed emphasis on structural reform, development of micro-enterprises and SMEs, protection of intellectual property rights, combating terrorism and promotion of economic growth.

For the Future

20. Japan and Mexico, convinced that further cooperation, continuous political dialogue and accelerated economic exchanges between the two countries will bring benefits to the people of both countries, are entering a new age of their bilateral relations. The will for closer relationship, which with confirmed opens a promising horizon for the future of Japan and Mexico in this globalization world.