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(Provisional Translation)

Visit of Prime Minister's Special Envoys Masahiko Koumura and Ichiro Aisawa to the Middle East

(Summary)

18 December 2003

Prime Minister's Special Envoy Masahiko Koumura visited Egypt and Saudi Arabia from December 15 to 18, Another Special Envoy of the Prime Minister Ichiro Aisawa, Senior Vice Foreign Minister, visited Jordan, Syria and Kuwait from December 13 to 19. Following is a summary of their talks with the key government officials of the aforementioned countries.

1. Issue of Iraq

By stating the need to advance the political process aimed at revitalization and reconstruction of the Iraqi state, Special Envoys Koumura and Aisawa sought the understanding and support of these countries toward Japan's humanitarian and reconstruction assistance measures for Iraq, including the dispatch of the Japanese Self Defense Forces (SDF).

  • In Egypt, in response to Special Envoy Koumura's explanation that SDF will be dispatched to engage in humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, and not as a military force nor for security duty, President Mubarak stated about the importance of humanitarian support, and showed understanding of Japan's explanation. Furthermore, the Egyptian side was extremely keen to positively cooperate with Japan in assistance for Iraq. Secretary General of the League of the Arab States Amre Moussa stated that he would convey Mr. Koumura's message to the member countries and that it is important for Japan to provide them with a clear explanation on the reasons for the dispatch of SDF.

  • In Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Abdullah stated that it is good that Japan is to providing humanitarian assistance for the people of Iraq.

  • In Jordan, King Abdullah showed his understanding toward Special Envoy Aisawa's explanation by stating that Jordan is ready to offer as much support as possible to ensure the success of Japan's reconstruction and humanitarian assistance to Iraq, and then by endorsing the dispatch of SDF. In particular the King said Jordan will provide Japan with information on Iraq, and is ready to offer transportation support and medical facilities for Self Defense personnel in the event of their accident and/or illness.

  • In Syria, Prime Minister Al-Otari showed his understanding to Japan's support measures for Iraq with the statement praising as a positive action the dispatch of SDF which will be commit exclusively engaged is humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. The Prime Minister also expressed strong interest in the possibility of collaboration between Japanese and Syrian enterprises when implementing of reconstruction programs in Iraq.

  • In Kuwait, in response to Special Envoy Aisawa's explanation, Prime Minister Al-Sabah voiced his gratitude for the dispatch of SDF to Iraq for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance. The Prime Minister also remarked that he is ready to offer as much assistance and cooperation as possible to the SDF.

2. Other Matters (The Middle East Peace Process, Bilateral Relations)

Special Envoys Koumura and Aisawa also stated Japan's intention to work actively for bringing about peace in the Middle East. In this regard, they announced Japan's plans to extend additional grant aid of approx. $6 million in total to the Palestine through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In response, each country expressed appreciation and appraisal to Japan's support for the Palestinians and expectation for such efforts to be continued.

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