Japan-US Summit Meeting (Summary)

(1) Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his appreciation to President Bush for supporting his upcoming visit to North Korea and stated that he would seek full coordination with the United States and the Republic of Korea prior to the Japan-North Korea summit meeting. The Prime Minister stated that a number of concerns remain between Japan and North Korea, such as the abduction issue and the security concerns shared by Japan and the United States, but that he was resolved to raise these concerns with Chairman Kim Jong Il and to strongly call on him to respond sincerely.

(2) In response, President Bush heartily welcomed the visit by Prime Minister Koizumi to North Korea, mentioning that he was looking forward to hearing the results of the visit soon. President Bush added that he would provide Prime Minister Koizumi with various information concerning North Korea prior to the visit. He stated that the United States was concerned about weapons of mass destruction, missiles and the issue of conventional weapons, and was sure that these issues were of common concern to Japan, the ROK and the US. President Bush stated that the United States had not closed the door to dialogue with North Korea.

(3) In response, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he would attend the summit talks in North Korea considering the points mentioned by President Bush.

(1) Prime Minister Koizumi stated that having heard President Bush's speech at the United Nations that day, he believed that the speech made a strong impression on the people of the world. He noted that the speech clearly outlined what the problem with Iraq was and stated that it was his hope that further efforts would be undertaken to advance international coordination towards resolution of the issue. Prime Minister Koizumi stated that while he understood the resentment of the people of the United States, it was preferable to bear the unbearable and to undertake further international coordination.

(2) In response, President Bush stated that the question was how many more promises Saddam Hussein had to break. He stated that Saddam Hussein has perpetrated many vicious acts, including torture, and that his formula was always to bargain. President Bush stated that he would make diplomatic efforts, but if they did not succeed, other means would inevitably have to be found.

(3) In response, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he highly valued the role played by the United Nations to date, and that further efforts centering around the UN should not be spared and that efforts through the UN to ensure Iraq compliance with Security Council resolutions should be pursued.

(4) In response, President Bush stated that there was no need for worry about this point, because he was well aware of the importance of international coordination on this issue.