Joint Announcement
On Consolidation of Friendly Relations
Between Japan and the United Arab Emirates

Meeting between Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi and Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of UAE Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates,

Desiring to further consolidate the existing friendly relations between Japan and the United Arab Emirates,
Confirming the importance of strengthening cooperation in various aspects of the bilateral relations,
Aiming at further promoting prospering relations that serve the benefit of the peoples of both countries,
Expressing strong determination to exert their utmost efforts to contribute to the peace and prosperity of the international community,

Shared the views and intention to expand the cooperative relations between the two countries as follows:

1. Appreciating the close and excellent relations between the two countries, both sides recognized the significance of the visit of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Japan as an invaluable opportunity to generate renewed momentum to enhance the bilateral relations to a yet higher level. Both sides will work together to further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

2. Both sides underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Gulf Area and of the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its countries; and reaffirmed that the stability and reconstruction of Iraq and the resumption of its sovereignty would be a vital factor to consolidate regional stability. Both sides also underlined the importance of revitalization of the Middle East peace process, including the implementation of the road map and the UN resolutions, to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.

3. Both sides will work together to restore normal life and welfare to the Iraqi people, and, in that context, both sides will move forward their cooperation in the field of training of Iraqi police.

4. Highly appreciating marvelous relations in the political domain, both sides confirmed that they continue to focus on mutual visits of high ranking dignitaries between the two countries to deepen mutual understanding through political dialogue. Both sides valued with satisfaction the outstanding bilateral relations in all fields both countries have been enjoying, and recognized the importance of encouraging mutual cooperation to diversify economic relations between the two countries.

5. Both sides acknowledged the importance of the role that political, economic and academic circles play in furthering the bilateral relations. Collaboration between public and private sectors of both countries will be strongly encouraged.

6. Both sides recognized the important role of the United Nations for promoting international peace, stability and prosperity in the 21st century, and stressed the need to work together for the early realization of United Nations reforms, inter alia, the reform of the Security Council including the expansion of both permanent and non-permanent membership.

7. Both sides will reactivate, on the basis of practicality, the joint committee between the two Governments as a venue for regular review and assessment of the bilateral relations.

8. Both sides will cooperate in establishing closer ties between Foreign Ministries of both countries. Two Ministries will make the most use of opportunities for both diplomats to visit the other country to widen their perspectives.

9. Mutual understanding between general public of the two countries would serve as a solid foundation for friendly relations, mutual cooperation, and more vigorous activities in a wide range of fields between the two countries. In that sense, more attention need to be directed to the role of tourism to promote people-to-people interactions and understanding.

10. The Japanese side will take appropriate measures as far as possible to facilitate business visits of the United Arab Emirates citizen.

11. Both sides, having heard the news about the release of three Japanese hostages in Iraq, expressed their relief and hoped the immediate release of the other hostages.

April 15, 2004, Tokyo