Foreign Minister Aso and Deputy PM Prescott hold talks in Tokyo
30 October 2006
Foreign Minister Aso with British Deputy Prime Minister Prescott
On October 23, Japanese Foreign Minister Aso held talks for approximately 30 minutes with British Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. The following is a summary of the meeting:
1.
Bilateral Relations
Deputy Prime Minister Prescott stated that Prime Minister Blair appreciated the progress of Japan-UK cooperation such as that under way in Afghanistan and Iraq, and that he wanted to continue working with the Abe administration on the key global issues. Foreign Minister Aso stated that he very much recognised the importance of Japan-UK collaboration in tackling various issues in the international arena and that he looked forward to cooperating further with the UK.
2.
Climate Change
Mr Prescott mentioned that he had worked closely with Japan��s previous environmental ministers, Mr Hiroshi Ohki and Ms Yoriko Kawaguchi respectively, when he was involved in negotiations on the Kyoto Protocol. He pointed out that the close cooperation between Japan and the UK had been a key element in bringing about the conclusion of the Protocol, and that this would not have been possible without Japan��s cooperation. On the other hand, he also appreciated the importance of liaising with countries operating outside the framework of the Kyoto Protocol, notably the US, India and China, and declared that the UK would like to cooperate with Japan in this regard. Mr Aso stated that Japan had been actively tackling energy issues since the so-called ��Oil Shock�� of 1973. In this regard, he agreed with Mr Prescott on the establishment of a suitable framework for pursuing deliberations with countries such as the US, India and China.
3.
North Korea
Foreign Minister Aso expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended by the British Government regarding the adoption of the United Nations Security Council resolution concerning North Korea��s nuclear test. As for China��s role in this connection, Mr Aso regarded it as crucial in view of that country��s influence over North Korea. Expressing agreement with Mr Aso, Deputy Prime Minister Prescott stated that he would be visiting China, where he would meet State Councillor Tang Jiaxuan. Finally, Mr Prescott declared that the UK supported Japan��s accession as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and emphasised the UK��s wish to continue cooperating with Japan in the global arena.
