[Title] Joint Press Statement, 12th Japan-EU Summit
Mr Costas Simitis, Prime Minister of Greece, in his capacity as President of the European Council, assisted by the High Representative for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr Javier Solana, and Mr Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission and Mr Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, met in Athens on 1-2 May 2003 for the 12th Summit between Japan and the European Union.
They recognised that bilateral relations, already very good, continued to develop well. In this context, they emphasised that the Action Plan for EU-Japan Co-operation should continue to be implemented actively. They noted the satisfactory results which had been obtained in the previous year and identified a number of concrete priorities to be advanced by the time of the next Summit - -details of these are given in the Annex.
They renewed their commitment to foster the development of their strategic partnership; this is based not only on strong economic links, with the EU and Japan together accounting for approximately 40% of world GDP and around 28% of world trade, but also on a rising tempo of political dialogue and cooperation.
They reiterated their commitment to enhance their political cooperation and to reinforce their political and strategic partnership, in order to contribute to consolidating peace and stability worldwide, including through undertaking initiatives for the establishment of democracy, rule of law and good governance in international trouble spots. Both sides share the aspiration of bringing the two regions together through the ASEM dialogue process, and reaffirm their willingness to deepen their partnership in political, economic, cultural and other aspects. This should result in a more active inter-regional involvement over the coming years, conducive to a successful international system.
They recognized that the current situation on the Korean Peninsula was not just of grave regional concern, but had serious global implications in terms of non-proliferation. The EU side praised PM Koizumi's initiative in visiting Pyongyang last September and underlined the importance of Japan keeping actively involved in helping to find a peaceful resolution of the current situation. They affirmed the importance of the Japan - Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Pyongyang Declaration in opening the way to normalising bilateral relations, through resolving concerns between Japan and the DPRK including the abductions issue and security problems. They support the efforts to sustain political and economic engagement between the two Koreas, which are at the core of President Roh's "Policy for Peace and Prosperity". They reiterated that DPRK must promptly eliminate its nuclear weapons programme in a visible, irreversible and verifiable manner. They expressed their support for the idea that the issue be discussed within a multilateral framework. They noted that the political dialogue recently held in Beijing among the US, the DPRK and China might be a step in that direction with the possible participation of other countries concerned. They urged the DPRK to act as a responsible member of the international community and comply fully with its international commitments in the field of non-proliferation in order to improve the present situation and safeguard peace and security in the Korean Peninsula. The EU and Japan, in coordination with other partners, will work together to find a diplomatic solution.
Concerning Iraq, they welcomed the fact that new perspectives have opened for the Iraqi people who now have the chance to shape a new future for the country and to rejoin the international community. They also shared the view that at this stage it is necessary to strengthen international solidarity and to ensure a secure environment, including for the provision of humanitarian assistance, in particular urgent medical relief and the protection of the cultural heritage and museums. Both sides expressed their commitment to the territorial integrity of Iraq and the need to preserve regional stability. They also underlined the importance of establishing an interim authority by the Iraqi people as soon as possible. Furthermore they recognised the vital role that the UN must play utilising its unique capacity and experiences in post-conflict situations. The EU and Japan welcomed the appointment by the UN Secretary-General of a special adviser on Iraq and look forward to a further strengthening of the UN's involvement initially in the coordination of the humanitarian assistance. The two sides are determined to work together for the further stability of the region as a whole.
They discussed the situation and the prospects of the Middle East Peace Process. They welcomed the formal approval by the Palestinian Legislative Council of the new government proposed by the appointed Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas as an important step towards defusing the conflict and returning to the negotiating table. Terror, violence and confrontation must give way to negotiations and compromise. The international community shares a common vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. In this respect both sides stressed the need to implement, without delay, the Quartet's Roadmap and cooperate in its implementation. They recognised the need to maintain close consultation on the issue, the more so since the EU and Japan are important contributors to this process.
They fully support the endeavours of the Western Balkan countries toward European integration, to consolidate democracy and stability and to promote economic development. The countries in the region should continue also to persevere with the reforms necessary to achieve these goals. The EU explained the positive outcome of the latest Stabilisation and Association Process reports for the Balkan countries, as well as preparations for the EU-Balkan Summit in Thessaloniki in June that will constitute a new and important step in further enhancing the relations between the EU and the Western Balkan countries.
They underlined the need for a swift solution of the Cyprus problem through negotiations on the basis of the UN Secretary General's proposed plan.
In the light of the present international situation, the EU and Japan, as substantial contributors to the reconstruction of Afghanistan, reiterated their strong commitment to support the efforts of the Afghan Transitional Administration for the full implementation of the Bonn agreement, in the drafting and ratifying of a new constitution, holding free and fair elections, setting up an effective Afghan National Army, promoting the DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration) process and fighting the illicit production and trafficking of drugs. Both sides encouraged the establishment of a constitutional framework for effective human rights protection, including the rights of women, children and the minorities.
They discussed the situation in Sri Lanka and the EU welcomed Japan's initiative to consolidate peace there. As the co-chairs of the forthcoming Tokyo Conference on the Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka in June 2003, along with the Kingdom of Norway and the US, they confirmed that they would make utmost efforts for the success of the Conference.
Other regional issues of mutual interest, such as Indonesia and relations with China were raised. The EU explained its new Common Position on Myanmar and Japan explained its new Comprehensive Approach.
They recognised that there is still a considerable potential for growth in two-way trade and investment. The EU side welcomed PM Koizumi's policy statement last January aiming to double the stock of direct investment in Japan over the coming 5 years. In this regard, they issued a statement on "Japan-EU Initiatives on Investment", recognising the need for joint efforts, both to encourage more European companies to invest in Japan and Japanese companies to invest in Europe. The EU side stated its appreciation of the ongoing progress in structural reform in Japan, in particular as regards improving the business and investment environment and liberalising business-related services. Japan, in turn, welcomed the efforts in the European Union in the framework of the Lisbon process to promote reform of financial, product and service markets.
They welcomed the signature of the Accession Treaty on April 16, 2003. Assistance to Bulgaria and Romania to meet their accession target of 2007 and Turkey's progress towards Europe were also discussed. The benefits enlargement would bring for Europe, not only politically, in terms of enhanced stability, but also economically, through the creation of a larger single market and a reinforced growth dynamic in the newly acceding countries, were pointed out. This would create an environment which would benefit foreign firms doing business with the EU, including those from Japan. The Japanese side stressed that enlargement would have significant implications for EU-Japan relations, in particular economic ones. While Japan firmly believed that these should be beneficial, some of the economic effects could be complex. They recognised the need to consult on these issues. For this purpose, the existing mechanisms for consultations will be fully utilised and specific meetings of the Action Plan Steering Group would be organised if necessary. The EU would also launch a wide-ranging series of events in Japan to explain the detail of enlargement to the Japanese public and business.
They looked forward to the signing, as soon as possible, of the Agreement between the European Communities and the Government of Japan concerning Cooperation on Anti-Competitive Activities.
They discussed global issues. On WTO, they concurred on the need for good preparation of the Ministerial Conference in Cancun (Mexico) in September in order to move the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) negotiations into higher gear and achieve the decisive breakthroughs needed to accomplish a broad-based successful outcome, including the smooth launch of the negotiation of all the Singapore issues. To this end, they stressed the importance of enhancing their cooperation by regularly reviewing their respective positions and exploring common ground.
They recognised the need to closely co-operate on improving access to medicines in developing countries.
They were deeply concerned about the spread of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) worldwide, particularly in Asia, and expressed their willingness to enhance the exchange of information and cooperation to cope with this disease.
Recalling their Joint Summit Declaration of December 2001 on combating terrorism, they informed each other about the most recent steps they were taking in this field.
They confirmed that both sides would begin to prepare jointly for successful implementation of the "2005 Japan-EU Year of People-to-People Exchanges".
ANNEX
Actions to be targeted by the next EU-Japan Summit
Objective 1 Promoting Peace and Security
Cooperate closely to develop mutual understanding about and synergies between our efforts on conflict prevention, peacekeeping, reconstruction and rehabilitation in areas such as the Balkans, Afghanistan, East Timor, Sri Lanka and Aceh.
Work together within the international community to enhance international cooperation in the postwar reconstruction of Iraq.
Continue to consult each other closely and work together on resolving the DPRK nuclear issue peacefully.
Continue and enhance their political dialogue both in Europe (Brussels and capitals) and Tokyo on issues of mutual concern.
Cooperate for and co-chair the Tokyo Conference on the Reconstruction and Development of Sri Lanka scheduled for June 2003.
Objective 2 Strengthening the Economic and Trade Partnership Utilising the Dynamism of Globalisation for the Benefit of All
With a number of events running up to the accession of the new Member States in 2004, co-operate to inform the Japanese public and business about EU Enlargement and its effects on Japan. Regarding some of the economic effects of enlargement, the existing mechanisms for consultations will be fully utilised and specific meetings of the Action Plan Steering Group would be organised if necessary.
Within the overall framework of the Regulatory Reform Dialogue, the exchange of information and best practices in the field of government procurement, including on topics such as Private Finance Initiatives and Public Private Partnerships, will be reinforced via technical meetings as necessary.
Initiate regular discussions on Intellectual Property Protection, including on ways to tackle piracy and counterfeiting.
Cooperate on improving access to medicines in developing countries.
Cooperate on cross investment initiatives between the European Commission and Japanese government, and between the Japanese and EU Member State Investment agencies.
In order to ensure that data protection systems are mutually transparent and provide adequate protection, continue to exchange information on each other's data protection system.
Signing of the Agreement concerning Cooperation on Anti-Competitive Activities as soon as possible.
Renew efforts to establish a dialogue between experts on food safety issues.
Step up efforts to implement the agreed intermediate objectives for cooperation on Information and Communication Technology, including e-commerce related topics such as cyber security and recognition of electronic signatures; digital divide issues and regulatory issues.
Start two new activities at the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, aimed at strengthening the economic relations between the EU and Japan.
Objective 3 Coping with Global and Societal Challenges
Co-operate for the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) III to be held in Tokyo in late September.
Begin negotiations on the EC-Japan Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement with the aim to complete them by the end of 2003.
Aim for the early conclusion of the EURATOM-Japan Agreement for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Co-operate for the expansion of the geographical coverage of the Energy Charter Process to Russia and other appropriate countries.
Further strengthen Japan-EU co-operation within the framework of the IEA, especially in the area of emergency preparedness.
Initiate dialogue on aviation-related technological matters of common interest to the EU and Japan, such as exchange of information on accidents, aircraft safety and environmental regulation and continue dialogue on satellite navigation systems.
Further encourage other countries to ratify the Kyoto Protocol and seek the participation of all countries in addressing climate change.
Intend to work together on the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) Plan of Implementation, particularly on issues like the sustainable management of Water resources, following inter alia the results of the 3rd World Water Forum and its Ministerial Conference held in Japan in March 2003, and on energy for sustainable development. Other areas of cooperation could include sustainable consumption and production, environmental technologies and corporate social responsibility.
Objective 4 Bringing together people and cultures
Co-operation in preparation for the "2005 Japan-EU Year of People-to-People Exchanges".
Implement the EU-Japan Friendship Week 2003.
Implementation of the Greek initiative, presented during the first EU-Japan Symposium on People-to-People Exchanges in November 2002, to hold the second symposium "EU-Japan Rectors' meeting" in Athens, under the Greek Presidency.
Strengthen the exchange of information and cooperation on tourism, with Japan in particular promoting the "Visit Japan Campaign" implementing PM Koizumi's broader initiative, thereby contributing to the success of the 2005 Japan-EU Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
Explore possible ways to encourage Japanese researchers to study at the European University Institute in Florence.
Co-operate to promote dialogue between experts in the field of peace and international security.
Review of Implementation of the EU-Japan Action Plan
Objective 1 Promoting Peace and Security
Close co-operation on the International Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (ICOC).
Collaboration on International Criminal Court issues through a panel discussion between EU Member States, the European Commission and Japan in Tokyo in December 2002.
Meeting of the first EU-Japan Troika on Human Rights in February 2003.
Co-operation on reconstruction and rehabilitation in Southeast Europe such as in a media development project in Kosovo.
Ongoing cooperation and exchange of information on issues related to the DPRK.
Objective 2 Strengthening the Economic and Trade Partnership Utilising the Dynamism of Globalisation for the Benefit of All
In order to achieve closer cooperation on the WTO Doha Development Agenda to ensure a balanced approach across all sectors and the promotion of Trade-Related Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building and to ensure coherence between the outcomes of Doha, Monterrey and Johannesburg, wide-ranging enhanced consultations, monitoring of developments and exchanges of information are under way.
Regular working-level and high-level co-operation to implement the short-term priority initiatives in the field of Information and Communications Technologies agreed by Japan and the European Commission.
The 2nd dialogue between the EU and Japanese consumer organisation and an international symposium on "Learning from the EU's Consumer Organisations" were held in Tokyo in March 2003.
The Central and Eastern European Investment Seminar, "Towards EU Enlargement" held successfully in Fukuoka in February 2003, in view of continuing dialogue on regional economic matters and trade policies, including on enlargement of the EU.
Objective 3 Coping with Global and Societal Challenges
EU-Japan consultations on gender equality were held in November 2002.
The first meeting at expert level on international counter-terrorism took place in December 2002.
Japan ratified the Energy Charter Treaty in 2002 placing itself in a better position to cooperate for the expansion of the geographical coverage of the Energy Charter Process.
The 8th International Energy Forum was successfully held in Osaka in September 2002.
The Ministerial Conference was successfully held in Kyoto during the 3rd World Water Forum in March 2003,with the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration and the announcement of the Portfolio of Water Action.
Objective 4 Bringing together People and Cultures
The Japan-EU Symposium on People-to-People Exchanges was held in Tokyo in November 2002.