On 22 May Foreign Minister Taro Aso held official talks with visiting British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, after which the two ministers had dinner together. The meeting took place at the Iikura Guest House.
A summary of their discussion follows:
Welcoming Foreign Secretary Beckett to Japan, Foreign Minster Aso declared: "Japan-UK relations are in an excellent state. So far both countries have cooperated closely on matters of international importance and, as we look towards the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between us next year, let us enhance our cooperation." In response, Ms Beckett agreed that bilateral relations were extremely good and voiced fulsome praise for Japan’s substantial contribution to international society. Noting that there was still scope for further collaboration, she echoed Mr Aso’s remarks on the need to step up the level of cooperation.
On the subject of Ms Lindsay Ann Hawker, Foreign Secretary Beckett appreciated the efforts of the Japanese police and requested that they continue so that the case could be solved. Foreign Minister Aso affirmed that the police were diligently conducting their investigation and expressed the strong hope for an early resolution of the case.
As for climate change, the ministers referred to senior officials' consultations between the two countries and welcomed the close collaboration achieved since the G8 Summit at Gleneagles in 2005. They agreed that both countries would work together towards the creation of an effective international framework in which the main producers of greenhouse gases would participate.
As regards international development, Mr Aso and Ms Beckett concurred that, as well as pursuing policy coordination and working together at the local level, they should strengthen their ties of cooperation regarding African development in preparation for TICAD IV. They also agreed that the UK Department for International Development and the International Cooperation Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs would second staff to each other’s organisation, possibly in September.
On other matters, the two sides confirmed their ongoing cooperation regarding the reform of the United Nations Security Council, including the issue of Japan’s acquisition of a permanent seat, and agreed that they would continue to work together towards a common stance on a host of international issues including North Korea, Iraq and Darfur, taking into account the Japan-UK Joint Statement issued in January.
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