[Title] Joint Conclusions, 9th Japan-EU Summit

I - Intensification of Dialogue

Mr. Yoshiro Mori, Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Jacques Chirac in his capacity as President of the European Council, assisted by the Council Secretary General/High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Javier Solana, and Mr. Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, met in Tokyo on 19 July 2000 for the 9th Summit between Japan and the European Union.

Mr. Yohei Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Takeo Hiranuma, Minister of International Trade and Industry of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, Mr. Francois Huwart, French Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Mr. Chris Patten, European Commissioner for External Relations, and Mr. Pascal Lamy, European Commissioner for Trade also participated in the Summit.

The leaders discussed the strengthening of overall Japan-EU relations, including economic and trade relations. They also discussed Japan-EU co-operation in international fora, including the G8 Summit, the United Nations and ASEM, and the international situation, including the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East Peace Process and Kosovo/South-East Europe.

II - A Decade of Japan-Europe Co-operation

The leaders of Japan and the European Union emphasised that Japan and the EU share an attachment to peace, as well as to the same fundamental values of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law. Recognising the respective political roles and economic importance of Japan and the EU, the leaders confirmed their commitment to promote stability and prosperity in the world, particularly in Asia and Europe. The leaders are also determined to develop the existing Japan-EU partnership, which is inspired by openness to the rest of the world.

Taking into account the significant changes which have occurred in the international community and the progress achieved in their bilateral relations since the signing of the Joint Declaration on Relations between the European Community and its Member States and Japan of 18 July 1991, the leaders agreed that the time had come to enter a new stage of co-operation between Japan and the EU and declared today, in Tokyo, that the next ten years, starting from 2001, would be the "Decade of Japan-Europe Co-operation."

III - A New Co-operative Framework for a Stronger Partnership

The leaders affirmed their will to translate the Japan-EU partnership into co-ordinated policies and concrete actions and agreed on the need to issue a new political document based upon the 1991 Declaration and taking into account evolutions since. The new document will be implemented by an action plan, which will be annexed to it. Both will be adopted at the 10th Japan-EU Summit in 2001, in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the 1991 Japan-EC Joint Declaration, and will inaugurate the "Decade of Japan-Europe Co-operation" in the 21st century. The leaders instructed their officials to start the necessary work for the preparation of the new documents. The action plan, which will subsequently be reviewed and, if necessary, updated at each Japan-EU Summit, will be structured around the following four objectives for co-operation. In order to implement the co-operation mentioned below, Japan and the EU will promote a variety of exchanges and dialogues at various levels, in addition to those between governments.

FOUR OBJECTIVES FOR A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP

(1) Promoting Peace and Security

Japan and the EU are major players on the international stage and important partners in promoting international peace and security. Moreover, they increasingly co-operate on political issues in each other's region. Against this background, Japan and the EU will enhance political dialogue and co-operation, aiming as far as possible at harmonising positions and concerted actions which may include, when necessary, joint declarations.

Areas for co-operation will include, inter alia: UN reforms; conflict prevention and resolution; peace-building; arms control and disarmament; non-proliferation; promotion of human rights, democracy and stability; strengthening of regional dialogue, as well as of regional and international organisations.

(2) Strengthening the Economic and Trade Partnership Utilising the Dynamism of Globalisation for the Benefit of All

A - Economic and Trade Partnership

In light of the increasing weight of their bilateral trade and investment flows, and of the fundamental structural changes which have taken place in the world economy in the last decade and the experiences in response to these changes, Japan and the EU, which together account for 45% of world GDP, will jointly seek to utilise the dynamism of globalisation for the benefit of the whole world and to this end will continue to work towards strengthening the multilateral system. The two sides will also make strenuous efforts to strengthen their bilateral economic partnership, covering in particular trade and investment.

Areas for co-operation will include, inter alia: the WTO; international monetary and financial system; regulatory reform; improving market access; improving the investment environment, including through promotion and facilitation of investment; competition policy; customs co-operation; information technology, including electronic commerce and telecommunication; business dialogue; dialogue between consumer organisations.

B - Development and Fight against Poverty

Aware that poverty and inequality in many parts of the world undermine human dignity, Japan and the EU, which together account for about 70% of the Official Development Assistance extended by OECD/DAC members, will closely work together to promote development and reduce poverty through equitable growth. To this end, they will strengthen their co-operation in the regions that lag behind economically.

Areas for co-operation will include, inter alia: development assistance/aid co-ordination; infectious and parasitic diseases control including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

(3) Coping with Global and Societal Challenges

Contemporary societies are facing such global challenges as environment, health and energy issues, which will have a great impact on the future of mankind. Japan and Europe themselves are also undergoing problems common to mature societies, including those of ageing population and employment. To meet these challenges, Japan and the EU will strengthen their dialogue and co-operation, including in the area of science and technology, which has a major role to play in this context.

Areas for co-operation will include, inter alia: environment; health issues; food safety; energy issues; bioethics; science and technology; transnational organised crime and drugs; ageing society; employment; education; gender equality; urban traffic control; clean urban transport; maritime safety; aircraft noise; satellite navigation.

(4) Bringing Together People and Cultures

Japan and the EU will encourage all forms of dialogue and exchange between people. In particular, Japan and the EU wish to promote mutual respect and co-existence among a variety of cultures in order to secure cultural diversity, and will work to enhance mutual understanding of life and culture.

Areas for co-operation will include, inter alia: cultural exchange (youth exchange, student exchange, cultural events, etc.); cultural co-operation; intellectual dialogue; exchange between citizens.

IV - Issues for Intensified Co-operation until the Next Summit

The leaders endorsed the following issues for co-operation which should be further intensified in the period leading up to the next Japan-EU Summit. As an immediate issue for co-operation, Japan and the EU will work together to contribute to a successful ASEM III Summit in Seoul.

(1) Promoting Peace and Security

- The Korean Peninsula

Japan and the EU welcome the inter-Korean Summit meeting held on 13-15 June 2000 in Pyongyang and express the hope that the dialogue will be carried forward with a view to reducing tensions on the Korean peninsula. While welcoming the recent positive attitude shown by North Korea, such as the reconfirmation of its moratorium on missile launch, they recognise that there still remain international concerns over security and humanitarian issues and call for constructive actions from North Korea in these areas. They will pursue their policy of engagement with regard to North Korea and strengthen the regional dialogue in the framework of existing structures (ASEM, ARF, etc. ). They confirm their support for the Agreed Framework and KEDO, and emphasise the importance of their smooth and effective implementation.

- East Timor

Building a nation from scratch in East Timor is a new challenge which the international community has never experienced before. While the East Timorese and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) are making utmost efforts for the rehabilitation and nation-building of East Timor, the situation requires continuous international support. Japan and the EU, therefore, are determined to continue to extend assistance to back up the efforts of the East Timorese as well as UNTAET.

- The Balkans

A comprehensive and consistent strategy for reconstruction and development is essential to bringing about lasting peace and prosperity to the Balkan region.

In this context, Japan and the EU reaffirm the importance of the role of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe and of efficient donor co-ordination within the framework of the High Level Steering Group.

The two sides co-operate further to provide effective and well co-ordinated support to the countries in the region, which must be accompanied by their strengthened efforts to promote domestic reform towards democracy and market economies.

- Small arms

Japan and the EU will co-operate in addressing the issue of small arms. In this context, both sides confirm that:

- Japan and the EU will actively participate in the UN Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects in 2001, its preparatory process and follow-up activities.

- Japan and the EU will assist Cambodia in its efforts to resolve the issues related to small arms in the country.

- Biological Weapons Convention

Japan and the EU affirm the importance of formulating an efficient, cost-effective and practical regime to strengthen the Biological Weapons Convention and strongly support the early conclusion of the negotiations on a verification protocol for the Biological Weapons Convention.

(2) Strengthening the Economic and Trade Partnership Utilising the Dynamism of Globalisation for the Benefit of All

A - Economic and Trade Partnership

- Competition policy

Recognising the increasing importance of international co-operation in the area of competition policy, Japan and the EU welcome the successful progress of negotiations for concluding a Japan-EU co-operation agreement in the area of competition. Both sides have reached a mutual understanding on substantive elements of the future agreement and are confident that it will be concluded soon.

- Information technology

Japan and the EU underline the importance of promoting co-operation on IT, inter alia, for developing telecommunication regulatory co-operation and for creating an appropriate electronic commerce environment. They welcome the organisation of specific events bringing together European and Japanese IT companies in the "Euro-Japanese Information Technology Month", October 2000 in Japan.

- Business dialogue

Japan and the EU welcome the proposals made by the Japan-EU Business Dialogue Round Table which held its second meeting on 16-18 July in Tokyo, and will pay due consideration to its proposals in formulating and implementing policies, inter alia, policy for mutual investment promotion. Japan and the EU hope that this forum will continue to provide useful input for the further promotion of trade and investment in not only a bilateral but also multilateral context, and express their support for the further development of its activities.

- Consumer dialogue

Japan and the EU recognise the importance of the consumer dialogue and will take into consideration its proposals in making and implementing their policies.

B - Development and Fight Against Poverty

Japan and the EU confirm that they will continue close co-operation for the resolution of development issues and stress the importance of aid policy dialogues to promote mutual understanding of aid practices and methods and to seek further steps for aid co-operation. Japan is prepared to send JICA staff to the EU, and Japan and the EU will discuss the details of this matter this summer.

(3) Coping with Global and Societal Challenges

- Environment

Japan and the EU reaffirm the importance of their mutual understanding on environmental issues and express their intention to enhance the co-operative relationship through their High Level Consultations on the Environment and on Transport and expert meetings on specific issues. Japan and the EU are determined to tackle climate change, to accelerate the negotiations for the success of the 6th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 6) to be held in November 2000 and to ensure the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol by no later than 2002. Japan and the EU are also determined to strengthen co-operation in the field of global climate change research through such measures as the ARGO project. Japan and the EU also reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development and will work with other international partners to ensure that the Rio + 10 Conference in 2002 will be a success.

- Co-operation in the area of peaceful uses of nuclear energy

Japan and the EU make utmost efforts with a view to concluding an agreement between the Government of Japan and the European Atomic Energy Community for co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, to make long-term co-operative arrangements in the field of peaceful and non-explosive uses of nuclear energy in a predictable and practical manner, which take into account the needs of their respective nuclear energy programmes.

- Science and technology co-operation

Japan and the EU welcome the result of the fourth Japan-EU Science and Technology Forum held in Lisbon last month in which it was decided to hold three workshops next year on superconductor-materials, high-speed communication networks and infectious disease to explore future co-operation. Japan and the EU hope that these initiatives will lead to expansion of co-operation in the entire field of science and technology.

- Transnational organised crime

Japan and the EU call for international co-operation in combating transnational organised crime, and reaffirm their support for the intensive work at the UN for the adoption of the Convention against Transnational Organised Crime and related Protocols thereto by the end of this year.

(4) Bringing Together People and Cultures

Japan and the EU will examine the ways and means of promoting exchanges, particularly of students, researchers and creative professions.

Japan and the EU welcome the forthcoming 20th anniversary of the EU's Executive Training Programme in Japan and recognise its important role in strengthening the cultural and business relations between Japan and the EU. They express their strong support for the continuation of the programme in the future.

V - Attached Statements

1. Indonesia

2. Middle East Peace Process

3. WTO

Attached Statement (1)

Statement on Indonesia

Japan and the EU recognise the important role of Indonesia as a key player in the Southeast Asian region and in consequence the role it plays in the stability of the region. Japan and the EU welcome the general progress of democratic reforms in Indonesia, including towards further strengthening of democratic society and the rule of law, and support the efforts to this end by the Government of Indonesia, which was established through democratic processes. Japan and the EU also support the efforts of the Indonesian Government to restructure and relaunch the economy and to address the social issues.

The two sides are willing to support the efforts of the Government of Indonesia to solve regional problems and ensure stability and reconciliation in the country peacefully through dialogue. In this connection, Japan and the EU welcome the signing of Joint Understanding on Humanitarian Pause for Aceh on 12 May 2000. They reaffirm their support for the territorial integrity of Indonesia.

Keeping in mind the importance of Indonesia's economic stability to the regional as well as world economy, Japan and the EU, as major bilateral donors and economic partners in trade and investment, are determined to support Indonesia's own efforts for development.

Attached Statement (2)

Statement on Middle East Peace Process

There exists an unprecedented opportunity to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Japan and the EU underline that a negotiated comprehensive peace based on the principles of UNSC Resolution 242 and 338 as well as agreements of Madrid and Oslo is the only realistic option, and strongly support the parties concerned in their efforts to achieve this end.

Japan and the EU welcome the holding of the Camp David summit meeting. They urge both Israel and the Palestinians to seize this opportunity to bridge the gap and make their utmost efforts to pave the way for concluding the final status negotiations by September 13, 2000. Japan and the EU reaffirm their continued support for the Palestinians' right of self-determination including the right to establish an independent State, and strongly hope that a viable, independent and democratic Palestinian State will be effectively established in a peaceful manner on the basis of aforementioned principles. Japan and the EU declare readiness to consider the recognition of a Palestinian State in due course. Japan and the EU will extend their continued assistance conducive to the human resource development and nation building of the Palestinian people.

The two sides welcome the withdrawal of the Israeli Forces from Lebanon in accordance with UNSC Resolution 425, and call upon all the parties to fulfil their responsibilities to maintain peace and stability in the region. Japan and the EU invite the international community to extend its support for the stabilisation of Southern Lebanon. They consider that progress on the Lebanese and the Syrian tracks is essential to the achievement of a comprehensive peace and they hope that the negotiations will be resumed as soon as possible.

Japan and the EU believe that the multilateral track is a valuable tool for creating favourable environment for the progress of the peace process as a whole, and call for prompt resumption of its meetings.

Attached Statement (3)

Statement on WTO

Reaffirming the EU-Japan Joint Statement on the WTO on January 11, 2000, the leaders agreed on the following:

The leaders underscored the need to further strengthen the multilateral rule-based trading system represented by the WTO in order to respond to the challenges of the 21st century by meeting the needs of globalised economy and ensuring equitable and balanced economic development to the benefit of all WTO members.

The leaders reaffirmed that the launch of a new round of trade negotiations remains the best way for the WTO to respond to these challenges. They agreed to intensify their already close and fruitful cooperation in order to try together with other WTO members to launch such a round during the course of this year.

The leaders concurred that the Round should be designed as a single undertaking and, beyond the negotiations in the built-in-agenda on agriculture and services, be comprehensive in that it should reflect the varied interests and priorities of all WTO members in a balanced way. In their view, the new round should encompass four broad sets of objectives.

First, it should achieve further liberalisation and expansion of trade, leading to increased growth, competition and employment, as well as a fairer spread of the benefits of globalisation.

Second, it should lead to the improvement and reinforcement of existing rules and disciplines in such areas as anti_dumping, clarification of the relationship between trade and environment, as well as the establishment of rules in new areas such as investment, competition, and trade facilitation in order to increase transparency and predictability in trade relations, reduce the risk of protectionism and unilateralism, and to respond to the rapidly integrating economic environment.

Third, it should reflect the interests of developing countries including through improved market access opportunities and enhanced measures for capacity building and technical assistance based on the needs of individual developing countries, in order to facilitate the implementation of WTO agreements and fuller integration of these countries into the WTO system. In this regard, the leaders noted the need for enhanced cooperation on capacity building among the WTO and other international organisations such as the World Bank and the IMF, and other relevant parties. They also welcomed various bilateral and regional initiatives in this area. Special attention should be paid to the needs of the least developed countries, including through further improvements in market access for these countries.

Fourth, it should ensure compatibility between trade policy on one hand and sustainable development and other broad social goals on the other. With this in mind, the leaders will seek to ensure, inter alia, that the future negotiations take into account the sustainable use of natural resources, environmental protection, consumer health and safety, and other legitimate concerns of society as a whole. The leaders also stressed the importance of transparency of the WTO as well as the need for dialogue with representatives of civil society, while recognising that the principal responsibility of communication with civil society lies domestically with each Member of the WTO.

The leaders welcomed the commitment by all Members to work constructively in the built_in_agenda negotiations. They pledged to work together in order to promote their common interests in these negotiations, including appropriate recognition of the multifunctional role of agriculture. The leaders noted that a successful and balanced outcome to these negotiations will be greatly enhanced through their incorporation within a comprehensive negotiating round.

The leaders noted that they would continue to support the establishment of a dialogue on trade, globalisation and social development issues with a view to promote a better understanding of the issues between all interested parties.

They also welcomed the newly acceding Members to the WTO and support the early accession of present applicants on commercially viable terms.

The leaders noted with appreciation the efforts by WTO Director General Mike Moore in bringing forward a number of measures to rebuild confidence and restore momentum in the WTO. They reiterated their strong desire to work with other WTO members for the early launch of the new round that reflects all Members' interests.