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LEAD: Japan, France agree on climate, Africa aid, economic cooperation
Japan Policy & Politics, April 14, 2008
TOKYO, April 11 Kyodo
(EDS: RECASTING WITH MORE INFO)
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and visiting French Prime Minister Francois Fillon agreed Friday to cooperate in tackling global issues such as climate change and aid to Africa which will be among the top agenda items at the Group of Eight summit to be held in Japan in July.
After their 50-minute meeting, Fukuda and Fillon issued two joint declarations which reaffirm cooperation between Japan and France in the economic area as well as in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
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''It is very good timing for me to be able to hold talks with Prime Minister Fillon as this year marks the 150th anniversary of establishment of Japan-France diplomatic relations and we will be receiving President (Nicolas) Sarkozy at the Hokkaido Toyako Summit in July,'' Fukuda said in a joint press conference with his guest.
''We agreed to coordinate between Japan, which chairs the G-8 this year, and France, which will chair the European Union from July, in tackling various issues facing the international community such as climate change and African development,'' he said.
Fillon said the upcoming G-8 summit in the Lake Toya hot springs resort area in Japan's northernmost prefecture is an opportunity to show emerging economies a kind of example of how industrialized countries are continuing growth while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The French prime minister said a ''synergy'' effect has been developed in terms of tackling global challenges such as climate change and energy security as well as economic and financial stability, development-related issues and ensuring peace and security in the world.
Fukuda explained to Fillon the ''Cool Earth Promotion Program,'' Japan's initiative to help developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and nations suffering from severe adverse effects of climate change, Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said.
He emphasized the importance of providing financial and technological support to such states and the need to nudge major emitters such as China and India to take responsible action in dealing with climate change, the officials said.
Fillon said his country will work on efforts to cut CO2 emissions when it takes the European Union's rotating presidency in the latter half of this year, and noted that atomic energy is important in dealing with the global warming issue, they said.
In addition to Japan and France, the G-8 framework groups Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Russia and the United States.
In the economic declaration, which mentions the bilateral cooperation on climate change and development aid to Africa, Fukuda and Fillon also agreed that it is beneficial for Japan and France to open their doors further to foreign investment.
In connection with bilateral atomic energy cooperation, Fillon said he will visit Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd.'s reprocessing plant for spent nuclear fuel in the village of Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, that is equipped with technology of France's Areva SA on Saturday.
The plant is scheduled to go into operation by the end of this year.
Fillon also said he reaffirmed to Fukuda that France continues to support Japan's ambition to become a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council. France is one of the five current permanent members of the body along with Britain, China, Russia and the United States.
''Prime Minister Fillon's visit has been a good opportunity for our two countries to further deepen our friendly relationship,'' Fukuda said. ''We hope to continue cooperation with Prime Minister Fillon and with the French government.''
The joint press conference was sandwiched in between their meeting which began in the late morning and a working lunch session, with the participation of business leaders of the two countries, at the Japanese prime minister's office.
It is the first time in 10 years for a French prime minister to visit Japan.
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