[Title] Joint Press Statement, 15th Japan-EU Summit
1. Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, Dr. Wolfgang Schussel, Federal Chancellor of Austria, in his capacity as President of the European Council, assisted by High Representative Dr Javier Solana, and Mr. Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, met in Tokyo on 24 April for the 15th Summit between Japan and the European Union.
2. Summit leaders reaffirmed their desire to strengthen the partnership between Japan and the EU, global partners which share fundamental values such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the market economy and cooperate for peace, security and the prosperity of the international community. They reviewed the implementation of the Action Plan for EU-Japan Cooperation, adopted in 2001, and set priority actions to be taken by the time of the next EU-Japan Summit (see Annex).
3. Summit leaders noted that a number of significant results had been achieved since the last EU-Japan Summit, in particular, the launch of the strategic dialogue on East Asia's security environment, progress on the preparation for the ITER project and "the Broader Approach" (bilateral fusion research project), signature of the Japan-EURATOM Agreement, agreement in substance on the Customs Cooperation Agreement, and the 2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges with over 1900 events.
For the peace and stability of the international community
4. Japan appreciated European efforts to find a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiation. Summit leaders expressed their deep concern over the recent uranium enrichment activities by the Iranian government, which run counter to the requirements of the relevant IAEA Board of Governors resolutions and the Presidential Statement of the UN Security Council. Summit leaders urged Iran to fully implement the aforementioned requirements and reaffirmed the importance for the international community to continue diplomatic efforts.
5. Summit leaders welcomed the election of the speaker of the National Assembly and the re-election of the President as well as the appointment of the new Prime Minister, and emphasized the importance of prompt establishment of a new Iraqi government. They reaffirmed their resolve to continue to actively support Iraq's efforts for nation-building.
6. Summit leaders discussed the situation of the Middle East Peace Process following the swearing in of the new Palestinian government and the result of the general elections in Israel. They reiterated their support for a negotiated solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on existing agreements, the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions and the principles laid down in the Road Map. They confirmed that Japan and the EU will continue to provide necessary assistance to meet the basic human needs of the Palestinian population and stressed the need to improve the humanitarian and economic situation of the Palestinians including by facilitating access and movement in the Occupied Territories. Summit leaders reiterated their support for President Abbas and his platform of peace.
7. Japan and the EU welcomed the adoption of the Afghanistan Compact, which provides a solid basis for cooperation between Afghanistan and the international community for the next five years. They shared the view to continue their cooperation in the field of reconstruction and development, judicial reform and security-sector reform, including Disarmament/Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) and Disarmament of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG).
8. Summit leaders shared the view that East Asia today presents enormous opportunities for further development as well as a variety of challenges. They welcomed China's continued reform process and open policies and stressed the importance of having China as a responsible and constructive global partner in the region and international community. Japan reiterated its opposition to the lifting of the EU's arms embargo on China. Summit leaders welcomed the enhancement of the Japan-EU strategic dialogue on East Asia's security environment and decided to continue such dialogue. They also emphasized the significance of Japan-EU dialogue to seek ways to realize an open East Asia region that respects universally recognised values through its enhanced regional co-operation. Japan welcomed EU's interest in rapidly evolving East Asia regional co-operation with a view to building an East Asian Community.
9. Summit leaders underlined the importance of resuming the Six-Party Talks and urged the DPRK to cooperate to expeditiously implement the Joint Statement of the 4th Round of the Six Party Talks, including the abandonment of all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes. Both sides urged the DPRK to fully respect the resolution on the situation of human rights in the DPRK adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2005 and to fully cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the DPRK. The EU confirmed its strong support for all efforts intended to lead to the settlement of the abduction issue.
10. As Co-chairs of the Tokyo Donor Conference, Japan and the EU expressed their continuing commitment to work together in support of progress towards a durable peace in Sri Lanka.
11. Summit leaders recognised the importance of strengthening their partnership with Russia based on common values such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. They reaffirmed that an improvement in the trade and investment environment in Russia is necessary and, in this context, hoped for Russia's early accession to the WTO. They noted that Russia has an important responsibility in global energy security.
12. Summit leaders deplored that the March Presidential election in Belarus did not meet international electoral standards and that Belarusian authorities detained the peaceful demonstrators by the use of force. They welcomed the March Parliamentary elections in Ukraine, which stand as a testimony to Ukraine's commitment to truly democratic process, and which set a new and welcome standard for elections in the region as a whole. They showed an interest in Japan-EU cooperation in assistance to the countries of the region, particularly in support of democracy and civil society.
13. Summit leaders reiterated their intention to cooperate to further enhance stability, democracy and sustainable development in the Western Balkans, particularly taking into account important political challenges and developments in the course of 2006.
For strengthening the multilateral system
14. Summit leaders acknowledged that human security should be commonly addressed by the international community, and expressed their will to cooperate in spreading the concept as well as promoting concrete actions in the United Nations and other fora.
15. Summit leaders recognised that infectious diseases such as avian and pandemic influenza, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria pose severe risks for the entire world and confirmed the importance of international responses such as strengthening of the GOARN (Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network) and voluntary early application of the revised International Health Regulations. Recognising that rapid initial responses, including at grass-roots level, are key to effective containment of avian and pandemic influenza, Japan and the EU, as major donors, will continue their cooperation to strengthen the global partnership based on, inter alia, the results of the Japan/WHO Tokyo conference and the Beijing pledging conference. Japan and the EU also fully support the activities of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
16. Japan and the EU welcomed the dialogue through the Japan-EU High Level Meeting on the Environment, where they exchanged views on climate change, sustainable consumption and production, as well as other areas of their common interest, and expressed their willingness to intensify their cooperation in these areas. They stressed the importance of implementing the Plan of Implementation decided at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development and confirmed their interest in deepening their cooperation in the field of environment, notably in the areas of natural resources management (including the G8-driven 3R initiative), waste policies, illegal logging and biodiversity.
17. Japan and the EU shared the same recognition that substantial reductions in global greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions will be required to stabilize concentration of GHGs at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Summit leaders stressed the primary importance of driving the Montreal Action Plan forwards to progress towards establishing a post-2012 framework that is effective and includes the participation of all major emitters across the world in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, including the U.S. and major developing countries such as China and India, through a dialogue with the participation of all countries. Japan and the EU will explore ways and means towards substantial reductions in GHGs emissions, and cooperate on developing cost-efficient policy approaches, such as energy efficiency standards, labelling, sectoral approaches, and Kyoto mechanisms, in particular the future of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
18. Summit leaders shared the view that energy markets are getting more integrated and that energy security has become an important element in foreign policy-making. They recalled that the improvement of energy efficiency and energy conservation contributes both to energy security and mitigation of climate change. As global partners facing similar energy and environment challenges, and in the context of the current high oil price, Japan and the EU will focus their continued consultations on energy issues, such as security of energy supply, energy efficiency and energy conservation (particularly in light of the successful ASEM seminar), as well as renewable sources, and research and development of new energy technologies, including in multilateral fora such as the IEA and the G8.
19. On WTO, summit leaders confirmed the importance of achieving agreement on opening of markets for goods and services, as well as the strengthening of rules in the context of the DDA. They will cooperate closely with the aim of intensifying the negotiations aimed at reaching such an ambitious and balanced agreement to the benefit to all Members of the WTO.
20. Summit leaders reiterated their appeal to all states to ratify and implement all of the international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols as a matter of urgency, and to implement relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. They emphasized that reaching agreement on the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism during the current session of the UN General Assembly remains their priority. They also underlined their intention to contribute substantially to the elaboration of the UN counter-terrorism strategy. They decided to further enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism in South East Asia.
21. Summit leaders reaffirmed the importance of continued implementation of the 2004 EU-Japan Joint Declaration on Disarmament and Non-proliferation. They reiterated their commitment to strengthen the disarmament and non-proliferation regime including maintaining the integrity of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, and affirmed the importance of cooperation at the 2006 Review Conference of the Biological Weapons Convention.
22. Summit leaders underlined the importance of implementing the on-going reform process adopted at the UN Summit, notably the reform of main UN bodies, as referred to in the outcome document, in order to address various challenges that the UN faces. They also underlined the importance of contributing actively to the work of the Human Rights Council and the Peacebuilding Commission. They also stressed the need to work to achieve concrete results on a new scale of assessments.
23. Summit leaders recalled the importance of further deepening dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe through the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) process. Japan and the EU will closely cooperate to ensure the success of the 6th Asia-Europe Meeting, which will also mark the 10th anniversary of the process.
For strengthening Japan-EU relations
24. As responsible members of the international community, Japan and the EU stressed their intention to further invigorate their economies. In this context, summit leaders welcomed the strong performance of the Japanese economy as a result of the progress of structural reform.
Japan and the EU recognised the importance of further expanding market opportunities for business, including for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Japan and the EU will further enhance their dialogue and cooperation to promote trade and investment so that they reach their full potential, including by addressing the interests and remaining concerns of either side through the Japan-EU Regulatory Reform Dialogue. Summit leaders welcomed the fruitful discussions in this forum and noted the importance of conducting regular policy dialogue through the Japan-EU High Level Consultations.
Summit leaders welcomed the specific dialogues, such as those taking place in the framework of the EU-Japan High Level Meeting on Financial Issues that address issues of common interest and aim to find a satisfactory solution on equivalence between Japanese accounting standards and International Accounting Standards. Japan and the EU will promote open and competitive government procurement, which can bring important savings for public budgets.
Summit leaders welcomed the agreement in substance on the Customs Cooperation Agreement which will facilitate mutual assistance in customs matters and trade. They also welcomed the strengthened cooperation between the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) and the European Commission on competition matters.
They recognised the importance of the EU-Japan Business Dialogue Round Table and the activities of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation.
25. The EU stated the need to enhance dialogue and consultation in[KW1] relation to transport (air, land and maritime). In relation to air transport, the EU emphasized the need to ensure legal certainty of air services agreements in conformity with EU law. Japan stated that the issues of air services agreements between Japan and EU Member States should be discussed between the parties to respective agreements.
26. Japan and the EU expressed satisfaction with the discussions held in the framework of their dialogue on Intellectual Property. They will continue their close dialogue on intellectual property-related matters including in the area of the international patent agenda, geographical indications and counterfeits and pirated goods, such as dialogue on the proposed international legal framework on preventing proliferation of those goods.
27. Summit leaders welcomed the signature of the Japan-EURATOM Agreement. They also noted progress in negotiations for the Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology and encouraged both sides to make further efforts towards its conclusion.
28. Summit leaders stressed the importance of continuing and promoting aid policy dialogue between Japan and the EU. The EU recalled the importance of the EU's new Africa Strategy and welcomed Japan's role in TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development). They recognised aid effectiveness as an important field for improved donor cooperation and for promoting better implementation of ODA projects and programmes in partner countries. Japan and the EU will explore ways to cooperate more closely within the OECD/DAC and other multilateral fora to strengthen strategic tools for fighting poverty.
29. Summit leaders underlined the need to enhance intercultural dialogue aimed at promoting understanding, building on our cultural heritage, and in support of various relevant activities such as the UN Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilisations and the UN Alliance of Civilisations.
30. Noting the successful outcome of the 2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges, summit leaders recognised the importance of following up on its achievements. In this context the EU welcomed Japan's Framework Initiative for Exchange Networks and Dialogues (FRIEND).
31. Summit leaders welcomed the successful holding of and fruitful discussions at the EU-Japan joint symposium "New visions of EU-Japan relations" in April.
Annex
Priority actions to be taken by the next EU-Japan Summit
Objective 1: Promoting Peace and Security
Pursue wide-ranging policy discussions on international and regional issues, in particular, continue the strategic dialogue on East Asia's security environment and develop a similar dialogue on Central Asia.
Objective 2: Strengthening the Economic and Trade Partnership Utilising the Dynamism of Globalisation for the Benefit of All
Continue to ensure the effectiveness of the Japan-EU Regulatory Reform Dialogue.
Sign the Japan-EC Customs Cooperation Agreement at the earliest possible date.
Implement further the Joint Statement on Cooperation on Information and Communication Technology, including cooperation on realising a Ubiquitous Network Society, strengthening cooperation on Internet Governance, promoting the distribution of digital contents through broadband networks, and making the Internet more secure.
Continue cooperation in the area of financial services regulation with an emphasis on finding a solution to the issue of accounting standards.
Continue to hold the Japan-EU Dialogue on Intellectual Property Rights.
Objective 3: Coping with Global and Societal Challenges
Promote discussions and cooperation based on the "human security" paragraph included in the 2005 UN Summit Outcome document.
In the framework of the Transport Security Cooperation Group, continue to exchange experiences and best practices.
Conclude as soon as possible the Japan-EC Agreement on Cooperation in Science and Technology.
Hold a regular High Level Meeting on the Environment and conduct ad-hoc consultations at every opportunity, and intensify Japan-EU cooperation on the establishment of a post-2012 framework in the field of climate change.
Continue consultations on energy efficiency.
Cooperate in the preparation of the next Senior Officials' Meeting on International Partnership on Avian and Pandemic Influenza which will be held in Vienna on 6 and 7 June.
Objective 4: Bringing Together People and Cultures
Promote the web report on the 2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges including profiles of participating organisations (in English and Japanese languages).Review possibility to enhance exchange programmes.
Review of Implementation of the Action Plan for EU-Japan Cooperation
Objective 1: Promoting Peace and Security
Launching a strategic dialogue on East Asia's security environment with meetings in September and December 2005.
Objective 2: Strengthening the Economic and Trade Partnership Utilising the Dynamism of Globalisation for the Benefit of All
Deepened economic dialogue through Japan-EU High Level Consultations held in January 2006, EU-Japan High Level Meeting on Financial Issues held in January 2006, and Japan-EU Industrial Policy and Industrial Cooperation Dialogue held in October 2005.
Made further progress in implementing the Cooperation Framework for Promotion of Japan-EU Two-Way Investment, including:
- the 3rd World Investment Conference held in June 2005, the Meeting of Experts on Investment Promotion between Japan and the EU held in September 2005 and the Japan-EU dialogue on Corporate Social Responsibility held in December 2005.
- progress towards the entry into force of the Social Security Agreements between Japan and France and between Japan and Belgium.
- signature of the new Japan-U.K. Tax Treaty in February 2006.
Deepened understanding on their IP-related policies through Japan-EU Dialogue on Intellectual Property Rights held in February 2006 and Japan-EU Policy Dialogue on the International Patent Agenda held in November 2005.
Supported the Seminar "European PFI/PPP Experiences for Japanese Local Governments" held in June 2005.
Conducted information exchange on beef and shared the view that further information exchange and technical discussions on this matter were necessary.
Closely cooperated on and contributed to the World Summit of the Information Society (WSIS), and exchanged best practices and views concerning challenges of new technological development including Next Generation Network (NGN) and broadband wireless at the Japan-EU Consultation on ICT and the Japan-EU ICT Symposium in October 2005.
Exchanged views on IT policy, information security, legal protection of software and promotion of innovation at the Japan-EU Dialogue on Information Policy held in October 2005.
Decided at its first meeting held on 22 March 2006 to hold annually the Japan-EU Wood and Building expert dialogue on building standards.
Objective 3: Coping with Global and Societal Challenges
Ministerial Conference on International Transport Security held by Japan in January 2006 with participation of 14 countries, the European Commission and 3 international organisations with release of the Ministerial Declaration and Statements.
Deepened mutual understanding and exchanged views on promoting the cooperation toward building a post-2012 framework in the field of climate change at the 9th Japan-EU High Level Meeting on the Environment in April 2006.
Signature of the Japan-EURATOM Agreement.
Second Counter-Terrorism Talks between Japan's Ambassador in charge of Counter-Terrorism and the EU Coordinator on Counter-Terrorism in Tokyo, October 2005.
Objective 4: Bringing together people and cultures
EU-Japan Seminar on Youth held in November 2005.
Successful implementation of the 2005 EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges (with a result of approximately 1900 events registration in Japan and the EU Member States).
Joint Symposium "New visions for EU-Japan relations" held in April 2006.