Regional Diplomacy CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

Regional Diplomacy

1. Asia and the Pacific

Ensuring the stability and prosperity of the Asia- with this objective, Japan is implementing the follow-
Pacific region that surrounds Japan is critical for the ing three fundamental principles in its diplomacy
security and prosperity of Japan and the strengthen- towards the Asia-Pacific region.
ing of relations with other countries in the region is The first of these is that, in order to establish sta-
required. ble international relations, Japan will aim at “synergy”
Asia has overcome the Asian Economic Crisis of between the policies of the strengthening of the
1997 and is now riding a wave of globalization to Japan-US alliance and the promotion of diplomacy vis-
enjoy steady and continuous economic growth. This á-vis Asia. Japan intends to continue to ensure deter-
has resulted in such as the positive changes towards rence against any movement that might destabilize
further development of the region deepening of the region by firmly maintaining the Japan-US securi-
intraregional interdependence and the creation of a ty arrangements, which are critical for the security of
sense of community through the permeation of the region, while proactively promoting diplomacy
shared lifestyles, which have given rise to increasing- vis-á-vis Asia by strengthening its relations with
ly intense discussions regarding the creation of an neighboring countries, notably China and the
East Asian community. However, at the same time, Republic of Korea (ROK).
there are issues that must be overcome in forging a The second is that Japan will elicit the region’s
stable and prosperous Asia, including issues that potential to the greatest possible extent in dealing
directly affect the security of Japan, such as the situa- with common regional issues by taking a multilay-
tion on the Korean Peninsula and across the Taiwan ered approach. This approach will include not only
Strait, as well as challenging issues shared by the bilateral diplomacy but also the promotion of East
entire region such as terrorism, piracy, climate Asian regional cooperation, such as through the East
change and energy and pandemic influenza and other Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN+3, Japan-ASEAN, and
infectious diseases. Japan-China-ROK cooperative frameworks, and of
Furthermore, in Asia, structural changes unprece- cooperation that broadly incorporates countries out-
dented anywhere around the globe are underway, as side the region, such as the Asia-Pacific Economic
China and India, accounting for one-fifth and one- Cooperation (APEC), the ASEAN Regional Forum
sixth of the world’s population respectively, are simul- (ARF), and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). In
taneously rising to the forefront in such fields as poli- addition, within these efforts, Japan will promote the
tics, security, and economy. A major topic for consolidation of fundamental values.
Japanese diplomacy is thus how the potential of these The third is that Japan squarely faces the facts of
two countries can be elicited constructively in ways its history with humility, that in the past it has caused
that contribute to the stability and sustainable growth tremendous damage and suffering to the people in
of both Asia and the world. Asian nations. With feelings of deep remorse and
The fundamental objective of Japan’s diplomacy in heartfelt apology always engraved in mind, Japan has
Asia and the Pacific is to lead the region to become consistently made efforts for the past 60 years as a
one which shares fundamental values, characterized “peaceful nation” underpinned by its solid democracy
by long-term stability and predictability and grounded and market economy. As a forerunner, Japan will con-
in mutual understanding and cooperation. In keeping tinue to afford various kinds of cooperation, including

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 Diplomatic Bluebook 2008

efforts for the consolidation of peace, reinforcement while supporting the development of an Asia ground-
of governance, and development of economic rules ed in common values.

(a) The Korean Peninsula

The Korean Peninsula, being adjacent to Japan, is DPRK Pyongyang declaration. Under this policy, the
one of the most important geographical areas for government of Japan has been making its utmost
Japan. diplomatic efforts to achieve progress in both the
The ROK is Japan’s closest neighbor geographical- denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and Japan-
ly and is an important neighbor with whom Japan North Korea bilateral relations including the abduc-
enjoys extremely close relations in various areas, tion issue.
including politics, economics, and culture. The ROK There was a certain degree of progress in the
is an ally of the United States as is Japan, and it also denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, such as the
shares with Japan fundamental values such as free- implementation of the “Initial Actions for the
dom, democracy, and basic human rights. The fur- Implementation of the Joint Statement”, agreed in
ther strengthening of future-oriented, friendly and February 2007 at the Six-Party Talks, and the adop-
cooperative relations is critical for the stability and tion of the “Second-Phase Actions for the
prosperity of not only Japan and the ROK but also the Implementation of the Joint Statement” in October.
northeast Asian region as a whole. However, North Korea did not take within the estab-
The year 2007 witnessed developments in multilay- lished timeframe the denuclearization actions that it
ered and close intergovernmental dialogues spanning had promised to implement before December 31,
a broad range of fields, including the Japan-ROK 2007. Japan intends to continue to make concerted
Summit Meeting in Singapore in November and six efforts with the United States and other relevant
Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers Meetings, as well as in countries to ensure the implementation of the
exchanges at the private-sector level. The ROK held a “Second-Phase Actions for the Implementation of the
presidential election on December 19, in which Mr. Joint Statement” and moreover make progress
Lee Myung-bak of the Grand National Party towards the full implementation of the 2005 Joint
(Hannara) was elected. Prime Minister Yasuo Statement of the Six-Party Talks.
Fukuda attended President Lee’s inauguration cere- In Japan-North Korea bilateral relations, the
mony on February 25, 2008, after which a Summit Working Group for the Normalization of Japan-DPRK
Meeting was held between the two leaders. They Relationship convened twice in 2007, but there was
shared the view on the importance of bringing bilater- no concrete progress regarding the outstanding
al ties into a “new era” marked by even closer cooper- issues of concern, including the abduction issue.
ation between Japan and the ROK. While utilizing the Six-Party Talks and other diplo-
As for North Korea, the basic policy is to aim to matic opportunities, cooperating and collaborating
normalize Japan-North Korea relations through com- closely with other relevant countries to conduct sin-
prehensive resolution of the outstanding issues of cere bilateral discussions with North Korea and also
concern including the abduction, nuclear and missile to demand North Korea concrete actions towards the
issues and the settlement of the unfortunate past resolution of the outstanding issues, including the
between the two parties, in accordance with Japan- abduction issue.

(b) China and Mongolia

The interdependence between Japan and China is such as the Japan-China High-Level Economic
growing deeper, with economic relations and people- Dialogue, Summit Meetings and Foreign Ministers’
to-people exchanges becoming increasingly close. Meetings taking advantage of various types of
Within this context, the Japan-China bilateral relation- international meetings. These were held with a view
ship has become among the most important bilateral to creating a “mutually beneficial relationship based
relationships for both countries. In 2007 there were on common strategic interests” that would expand
frequent high-level exchanges of views, including rec- those common interests as the two countries take
iprocal visits by the leaders and the foreign ministers, their solemn responsibility and contribute jointly to

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 Regional Diplomacy CHAPTER 2

Asia and the world. These diplomatic efforts resulted In the year 2008, Japan and China will commemo-
in tangible advancement over a wide range of areas, rate the 30th anniversary of the conclusion of the
including a strengthening of mutual cooperation in Treaty of Peace and Friendship and also observe the
energy conservation and the environment, promotion Japan-China Youth Friendship Exchange Year. It is
of mutual understanding through exchanges in the also the year in which the 29th Olympic Games (the
security field and youth exchanges, and contributions Beijing Olympics) will be held. Japan and China will
to regional and international society, notably to issues further develop their bilateral relations by building up
surrounding North Korea and reform of the United dialogues and exchanges at a full range of levels and
Nations Security Council. Japan and China have making efforts to settle outstanding issues. They also
agreed to work towards as early a resolution as possi- intend to continue to contribute jointly to the peace,
ble regarding the issue of resource development in stability, and prosperity of the world, with a view to
the East China Sea through repeated discussions creating a “mutually beneficial relationship based on
with a view to conducting joint development. With common strategic interests.”
regard to Chinese domestic affairs, the 17th National In 2007, Japan and Mongolia celebrated the 35th
Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic rela-
was convened in October and the next Chinese lead- tions, and various events were held to commemorate
ership was appointed. the “Year of Japan in Mongolia.”

(c) Southeast Asia

ASEAN, aiming at the establishment of an ASEAN and Malaysia, and Prime Minister Fukuda visited
Community by 2015, adopted the ASEAN Charter in Singapore to attend the East Asia Summit (EAS).
November 2007. Japan has the longest history of any Japan and the member states of ASEAN have rein-
country as a partner of ASEAN, and will continue to forced their relations through these active exchanges
support ASEAN’s efforts towards ASEAN integration. of visits by their leaders.
In the meanwhile, Japan has developed relations with As for the relations with Mekong region countries,
ASEAN in the economic arena, through such as the the Japan-CLV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam)
conclusion of negotiations for the ASEAN-Japan Summit was held as an associated meeting at the
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. ASEAN Summit in November, and Foreign Ministers’
Japan is also strengthening its relations with individ- Meetings of the CLV and Japan were convened twice.
ual member states of ASEAN in various areas, includ- In January 2008, the first Japan-Mekong Foreign
ing the politics, economy, and culture. Japan has also Ministers’ Meeting was held in Tokyo.
actively supported peacebuilding in Southeast Asia, As for EPAs with ASEAN member states, negotia-
dispatching a development expert to the International tions have started on the Japan-Viet Nam EPA; the
Monitoring Team in Mindanao, the Philippines and Japan-Brunei EPA and Japan-Indonesia EPA have
civilian police officers to the United Nations been signed; the Protocol Amending the agreement
Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT). between Japan-Singapore for a New-Age Economic
In 2007, Japan welcomed visiting dignitaries Prime Partnership and the Japan-Thailand EPA have
Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, Prime entered into force; and the Japan-Philippines EPA is
Minister Surayut Chulanont of Thailand, President currently under consideration in the Philippine
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines, Prime Senate.
Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi of Malaysia, Prime On the cultural front, 2007 marked the 120th
Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh of Lao PDR, Anniversary of Japan-Thailand Diplomatic Relations,
President Nguyen Minh Triet of Viet Nam, Prime and various commemorative exchanges were held. In
Minister Samdech Hun Sen of Cambodia, and Sultan addition, Japan worked to strengthen its public rela-
Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam. Prime tions, having reached to concur with Singapore in
Minister Abe also made an official visit to Indonesia opening “Japan Creative Center” in that country.

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 Diplomatic Bluebook 2008

(d) South Asia

The countries of South Asia, notably India, the its National Council (upper house) elections on
world’s largest democracy, maintained high rates of December 31 as the country’s first-ever nationwide
economic growth in 2007 and have had an increasing- election. The process towards a parliamentary
ly strong presence in the international community. democracy is moving forward, with elections for the
The percentage of intraregional trade stands at a low National Assembly (lower house) and the formulation
5.3% (2006 figure). However, there has been move- of a constitution scheduled for 2008. In Sri Lanka,
ment towards closer regional ties, focused on eco- armed conflicts and terrorist incidents have been
nomic relations, with the Agreement on South Asian ongoing since the Sri Lankan government recaptured
Free Trade Area (SAFTA) entering into force in the country’s eastern region from the Liberation
January 2006, followed by the Fourteenth South Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the peace process
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) conducted through political dialogues has stalled,
Summit in April 2007 confirming the importance of with the government withdrawing from the ceasefire
strengthening regional connectivity. agreement in January 2008.
There was notable movement in the areas of Japan’s relations with South Asia have been
democratization and peacebuilding in the South Asian strengthened through active political and cultural
region in 2007. In Bangladesh, although general elec- exchanges. Japan participated for the first time in the
tions scheduled for January were postponed, prepara- Fourteenth SAARC Summit as an observer nation,
tions have been underway under the caretaker gov- and Foreign Minister Taro Aso announcing Japan’s
ernment for holding the elections by the end of 2008. cooperation in the areas of democratization and peace
In Pakistan, although state of Emergency was building, the promotion of regional cooperation, and
declared in November, aroused fears of an interrup- the promotion of people-to-people exchanges. In addi-
tion in the consolidation of democracy, subsequently tion to the visit of Prime Minister Abe to India in
President Pervez Musharraf resigned his position as August, Japan-India relations enjoyed active exchanges
chief of army staff, started his second presidential of high-level visits including cabinet ministers. High-
term as a civilian and lifted the State of Emergency on level visits in 2007 also included the visit of Minister
December 15. General elections, which had been of Defense Yuriko Koike to Pakistan (August) and
originally scheduled for January 2008 and postponed the visit of President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa
in the aftermath of the assassination of former Prime to Japan (December), among others. Moreover, the
Minister Benazir Bhutto, were held on February 18, year 2007 marked not only Japan-India Exchange
2008. In Nepal, an interim cabinet including Maoist Year but also the 35th anniversary of the establish-
ministers has been taking charge in the government ment of diplomatic relations between Japan and
since April 2007. Agreement was reached to hold the Bangladesh and the 40th anniversary of the establish-
election for the constitutional assembly on April 10, ment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the
2008, after two election postponements. Bhutan held Maldives, with commemorative events held.

(e) The Pacific

Japan, Australia, and New Zealand share funda- Australia Summit Meeting in September. In this way
mental values and have come to work in a concerted relations between Japan and Australia have moved
manner towards the peace and stability of both the beyond trade and investment to a stage that can be
region and international society. properly called a “comprehensive strategic relation-
In particular, 2007 was a year in which the security ship” that includes the fields of politics and security.
relationship between Japan and Australia developed Japan’s location in the Pacific Ocean is something
rapidly, with the issuance of the Japan-Australia Joint it holds in common with the Pacific island states, and
Declaration on Security Cooperation in March, the these countries serve as an important source of
holding of the Japan-Australia Joint Foreign and marine resources. Japan has been building up the
Defense Ministerial Consultations (2+2 Meeting) for cooperation with these countries through the Japan-
the first time in June, and the approval of the Action Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Summit Meeting (Pacific
Plan based on the Joint Declaration at the Japan- Islands Summit), working jointly with the island

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nations to address the political and economic chal- lenges facing them.

(f) Intra- and Inter-regional Cooperation

Cooperation advanced in each of the various exist- Cooperation was issued at the ASEAN+3 Summit
ing regional cooperation frameworks in East Asia dur- Meeting, setting forth broad directions for East Asia
ing 2007, with particularly significant developments cooperation over the next decade. At the Summit
emerging in efforts to address energy, climate Meeting among Japan, China, and the ROK, formula-
change and other environmental issues. First, the tion of an Action Plan for the further promotion of tri-
Cebu Declaration on East Asian Energy Security was lateral cooperation as well as holding of a trilateral
issued at the Second EAS in January, followed by the Summit Meeting separately from the ASEAN associ-
adoption of the Sydney APEC Leaders’ Declaration ated meetings in one of the three countries were
on Climate Change, Energy Security and Clean decided. Under the ASEM framework, five countries
Development at the APEC Summit in Sydney in and one organization formally became new ASEM
September and the Singapore Declaration on Climate partners. Interfaith dialogues were continued, as
Change, Energy and the Environment at the Third were dialogues to promote cooperation related to,
EAS in November, with the leaders sharing the view among others, climate change and energy, counter-
on the setting up of voluntary energy efficiency goals. terrorism, and small and medium enterprises.
In addition, the Second Joint Statement on East Asia

2. North America
The United States and Japan are allies and the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, both countries are
Japan-US alliance is the linchpin of Japanese diploma- engaged in not only bilateral issues but also issues
cy. Japan and the US cooperate to work on a broad facing the international community, in cooperation
range of political, economic, and security issues with countries around the world, taking advantage of
based on their common fundamental values and inter- various opportunities at a number of levels. Under the
ests. There are still unpredictable and uncertain ele- Abe administration, Japan and the United States coop-
ments in East Asia today, and the Japan-US alliance, erated closely on the issues facing Asia and the
with the Japan-US security arrangements at its core, world, based on the concept of the “Japan-U.S.
plays an indispensable role in both the peace and alliance for Asia and the world.” Also, under the
security in Japan and stability and development in the Fukuda administration inaugurated in September, the

Minister for Foreign Affairs Koumura meeting with US Secretary of State Rice
(September27, Washington, D.C., USA)

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 Diplomatic Bluebook 2008

two countries are engaged in close policy coordination Japan-Canada Summit Telephone Call in November
under a consistent principle of further strengthening and other diplomatic venues, the counties have decid-
the Japan-US alliance, with a visit to the United States ed to cooperate to develop their amicable bilateral
as Prime Minister Fukuda’s first official trip overseas. relationship further, leading up to the 80th anniver-
Japan and Canada cooperate closely in politics, sary of the establishment of Japan-Canada diplomatic
economics, security, and culture, since these two relations in 2008. In October, a report on the joint
countries share fundamental values such as freedom, study on further promoting Japan-Canada trade and
democracy, and the market economy as partners of investment was completed, resulting in a strengthen-
Asia, and also as members of the G8. Through the ing of the bilateral economic relationship.

3. Latin America and the Caribbean

(a) Over view of the Political and Economic Situation
(1) The Political and Economic Situation promotion by the Bolivarian Alternative for the
In the series of presidential elections that were Americas (ALBA) on the initiative of Venezuela, and
held in Latin America and the Caribbean region in the foundation of the Bank of the South.
recent years, new administrations have been founded Furthermore, there was proactive movement to
under democratic processes. They are addressing the strengthen partnerships with countries, outside the
region’s historical challenges of reducing poverty and region, such as through steps to conclude a bilateral
alleviating the income gaps in society as major public Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States.
policy issues.
Latin America and the Caribbean region have, with (2) A Growing Presence in International Society
a population of 560 million, a regional GDP of 2.9 tril- Brazil and Mexico have been serving as leaders of
lion US dollars (approximately 2.8 times that of developing countries in fora such as the United
ASEAN10), and economic growth for 2007 forecast to Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
reach 5.6%. The region is gaining economic presence At the same time, some small- and medium-sized
in the world and also becoming the focus of an countries have been undertaking notable activities,
increasing amount of attention as an area supplying such as Costa Rica in promoting limitations on illegal
natural resources and energy. transfers of small arms and Uruguay for its record of
Regarding regional integration, the Southern involvement in UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO)
Common Market (MERCOSUR), the Central activities. Moreover, countries of Latin America and
American Integration System (SICA), and the the Caribbean region have great interest in the issues
Caribbean Community (CARICOM), have strength- Japan is particularly actively engaged in, namely
ened steadily their integration, while new movement reform of the United Nations Security Council,
forward has been seen in the establishment of the human security, nuclear non-proliferation, and the
Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), the environment and climate change.

(b) Japan’s Diplomacy towards Latin America and the Caribbean

Japan identifies the Latin American and Caribbean tion to historical exchanges of visits, trade and invest-
countries as partners that “share common benefits,” ment, and Japan’s assistance to the region by means
as they are consolidating their democracy and market of Official Development Assistance. Japan pursues its
economies and thus achieving stable development. diplomacy based on the three pillars of (i) strengthen-
Japan intends to intensify its relations with the coun- ing economic relations; (ii) contributing to the stable
tries in the region, taking advantage of the mutual development of the region; and (iii) cooperating in
confidence traditionally built up by the grace of over the international arena. Foreign Minister Aso deliv-
1.5 million Japanese descendants in the region as well ered a policy speech on Japan’s diplomacy towards
as approximately 360 thousand people from Latin Latin America and the Caribbean in July and visited
America and the Caribbean residing in Japan, in addi- Mexico and Brazil in August.

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4. Europe
Sharing fundamental values such as democracy, Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, and France, holding
human rights, and the rule of law, Japan and Europe meetings with the heads of state and the president of
are strategic partners with a leading role in fostering the European Commission. He also paid the first ever
the stability and prosperity of international society. It visit by a Japanese Prime Minister to NATO
remains important for Japan to advance cooperation Headquarters. In the meantime, Foreign Minister
and collaboration while further strengthening bilater- Aso visited Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, and
al relationships with the countries of Europe, notably Slovakia, having meetings with the heads of state and
the United Kingdom and France, which are perma- foreign ministers of those countries in January.
nent members of the UN Security Council as well as Further impetus was given to the reinforcement of
member countries of the G8, and Germany and Italy, relations with Europe in May, when Foreign Minister
which are members of the G8. Moreover, in fulfilling Aso attended the Japan-EU Troika Foreign Ministers’
the leading role in the international community, it is Meeting, the V4 plus Japan Foreign Ministers
now more important than ever that Japan promote Meeting, and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of
political dialogues and cooperation with the European ASEM, after which he visited Spain. In June, Prime
Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Minister Abe visited Germany to participate in the G8
Organization (NATO): The EU continues to increase Summit 2007 Heiligendamm. At the Summit, he talked
its presence on the world stage in terms of political, with the heads of state of the G8 member countries
security and economic matters. And the North and the President of the European Commission, reaf-
Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has played an firming their cooperation in the area of climate change
indispensable role in promoting the peace and stabili- and other important fields. Japan also strengthened its
ty in places beyond the border of the Euro-Atlantic dialogue with the regional cooperation organization
region since the end of the Cold War. Furthermore, comprised of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and
Japan has been enhancing its dialogues and coopera- Moldova (GUAM) by means of holding a foreign min-
tion with the countries of Central and Eastern Europe isterial-level meeting with them in June.
and the Baltic states, grounded in its good relations Many European dignitaries also visited Japan in 2007,
with these countries in order to support their efforts including Prime Minister Romano Prodi of Italy (April),
to achieve political stability and economic prosperity. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany (August), and
It is of a growing significance for Japan and the coun- NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer
tries of Europe to advance the close relationships on (December). These meetings with various European
a broad range of aspects and to work together for pro- countries and institutions throughout 2007 sent a clear
moting political, economic, and cultural exchanges. message that both Japan and Europe are intent on mutu-
In January, Prime Minister Abe visited the United ally reinforcing their cooperative relationship.

Prime Minister Abe (left) with Federal Chancellor of Germany Merkel (middle) and President of the
European Commission Barroso (right) at the joint press conference of the 16th Japan-EU Summit
(June 5, Berlin, Germany; photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office, Cabinet Secretariat)

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 Diplomatic Bluebook 2008

5. Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus

With strong emerging economy owing to soaring Russia relations to a higher level, Japan has been
oil prices and other circumstances, Russia restored engaged in intensive negotiations with the Russian
confidence, consequently rising nationalism and government with the strong intention to resolve the
resurging as a great power. In December, President issue of the Northern Territories, the most outstand-
Putin upon the overwhelming victory at the lower ing issue in Japan-Russia relations.
house of the Federal Assembly elections of the ruling International interests toward the countries of
party United Russia in the State Duma which envis- Central Asia and the Caucasus has been growing, tak-
aged Putin as the head of the candidate list, designat- ing account on their abundant energy resources as
ed his close aide, Dmitry Medvedev, First Deputy well as their geopolitical position at the center of
Chairman of the Government as his preferred succes- Eurasia. Japan has taken the standpoint of proactive
sor, while announcing his intention to assume the commitment to the region, as demonstrated both
office of Chairman of the Government for retaining domestically and internationally through Prime
his influence. Minister Koizumi’s visit to Kazakhstan and
In Japan-Russia relations, political dialogues have Uzbekistan in August 2006. Japan has also worked to
been held frequently at various levels, such as sum- further strengthen its relations with the countries of
mit and foreign minister levels, while cooperation is the region by steadily promoting cooperation through
advancing across a broad range of fields based on the the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, inviting vari-
Japan-Russia Action Plan, including steady develop- ous heads of state of the region to Japan and sending
ment of economic relations between the two coun- senior officials of the Government of Japan to the
tries. In addition to making efforts to elevate Japan- region.

6. The Middle East and North Africa

Ensuring peace and stability in the Middle East eration to address various issues facing international
region is an issue that directly affects the peace and community, including peace and stability in the
prosperity of the international community as a whole Middle East.
and is also vitally important for the energy security of Foreign Minister Aso attended the International
Japan, which imports approximately 90% of its Ministerial Conference of the Neighboring Countries
demand for crude oil from the region. However, the of Iraq, held in Egypt in May, and enunciated Japan’s
Middle East region faces numerous issues that active efforts to address the situation in Iraq. Japan
threatens its stability, including the Middle East was also proactively engaged in the Middle East
peace process, situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Peace Process, with Minister Aso visiting Jordan,
Iran’s nuclear development. Israel, and the Palestinian territories in August and
Against this backdrop, Japan is proactively Japan hosting the second ministerial-level meeting of
engaged in Middle East diplomacy, pursuing the dual the Four-Party Consultative Unit for the Concept of
goals of ensuring peace and stability in the Middle the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity,” a Japanese
East in cooperation with the international community, initiative, locally during his visit.
and of securing Japan’s energy security. Furthermore, Japan is promoting various pro-
In 2007, Prime Minister Abe visited five countries grams fostering dialogue with the countries of the
in the Middle East from late April to early May, name- Middle East, with the aim of promoting understand-
ly Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), ing of Japan’s policies towards the region in each
Kuwait, Qatar, and Egypt. During his visits he country while deepening mutual understanding. In
exchanged views with the heads of state of each November, the fifth Japan Arab Dialogue Forum and
country concerning the strengthening of bilateral the Japan-Arab Conference were held in Alexandria,
relations, the ensuring of energy security, and coop- Egypt.

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7. Africa
(a) Africa in 2007
In Africa, there was progress toward peace and sta- tion as a whole. Encouraging signs for economic
bility in 2007. Concrete examples of this include that development include dramatic economic growth in
in March the Wagadougou Agreement was reached countries rich in natural resources such as oil and
in Côte d’Ivoire; the transition process toward civilian minerals and a high rate of economic growth in many
rule was completed in Mauritania; in July the dis- other countries. Despite this, countries lacking stabil-
patch to Darfur, western Sudan, of the African Union- ity in their internal affairs continue to have a low rate
United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur of economic growth, resulting in gaps appearing
(UNAMID) was decided; and in August and around the continent. Moreover, such overall growth
September, the first presidential election since the trends do not necessarily lead to the alleviation of
withdrawal of UN peacekeeping operations was held poverty or development, and in fact prospects for the
peacefully in Sierra Leone. However, many chal- achievement of the Millennium Development Goals
lenges remained, such as escalating tensions (MDGs) appear bleak.
between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the delay in the deploy- Support to Africa has become an important policy
ment of the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMI- issue in the international community. In particular,
SOM), ongoing instability in the Sudan, and the dete- there has been a marked appearance of emerging
rioration of the situation in the eastern region of the donors such as China and India, making the estab-
Democratic Republic of the Congo. lishment of cooperative relations with these emerging
Africa is experiencing a favorable economic situa- donors a new issue requiring careful consideration.

(b) Japan’s Diplomacy towards Africa

Japan is undertaking proactive diplomacy towards ing the diplomatic efforts of the G8 countries regard-
Africa, with the Tokyo International Conference on ing these issues. Japan is currently advancing its
African Development (TICAD) process, one of the preparations for the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit
largest policy fora on African development in the through discussions among the Africa Personal
world, at the cornerstone of its engagement. Japan’s Representatives (APR) of the G8 heads of state as
African diplomacy seeks to achieve the three goals of well as through preparations for the Africa
(i) making proper contributions as a responsible Partnership Forum (APF).
member of the international community to
the resolution of global issues that are con-
centrated in Africa; (ii) strengthening the
foundations for Japan’s diplomacy through
enhanced relations with the countries of
Africa, which comprise approximately 30% of
the member states of the United Nations; and
(iii) reinforcing Japan’s economic relationship
with Africa, which is blessed with resources
and expected to become a large market for
Japan in the future.
In particular, African development issues
are expected to be addressed in 2008, with
the convening of the fourth Tokyo
International Conference on African
Development (TICAD IV) as well as the G8
Hokkaido Toyako Summit in Japan. Japan is Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Onodera(left) shaking hands with
Mr.Konare(right), the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, at the high-
expected to play a leading role by orchestrat- level meeting on Darfur (September 21, New York, USA)

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