Prime Minster Harper and Prime Minister Kan hold Bilateral Meeting
On November 14th, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Prime Minister Naoto Kan held a bilateral meeting in Yokohama, Japan.
General relations
Prime minister Kan welcomed Prime Minister Harper to Japan, saying that this year has been very productive for bilateral relations, with Canada hosting G8/20, and Japan hosting APEC. He stated that he was also glad that the Prime Ministers signed the 2010 Canada-Japan Joint Declaration on Political, Peace and Security Cooperation, and that he would like to further develop relations between both countries in more various fields. Prime Minister Harper congratulated Prime Minister Kan for his leadership in hosting APEC and stated that he would like to further develop cooperation between Canada and Japan including in the fields of Peace and Security.
Economic relations
Prime Minister Kan stated that Canada is rich not only in energy resources, but also in mineral resources including rare earths, and that he would like to cooperate with Canada more closely in the development of these resources. He appreciated Canadian policy which attaches great importance to Asia and said that he would like to establish stable Asia-Pacific economic relations in cooperation with Canada.
Prime Minister Kan stated that the “Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnership” has been defined by a cabinet decision and based on this policy, he would like to take the partnership with Canada into consideration in the evolution of the economic integration of the Asia-Pacific region including the exchange of information on TPP. Prime Minister Harper responded positively and agreed on the development of resources.
Trade
Prime Minister Harper urged Prime Minister Kan to ease the restrictions on beef imports. Prime Minister Kan said that it is important to ensure food safety based on scientific data.
Issue of the Hague Convention
Prime Minister Harper discussed the ratification of the Hague Convention with Prime Minister Kan. Prime Minister Kan stated that there are concerns regarding potential situations of domestic violence between Japanese mothers and their non-Japanese husbands. He also stated that the matter is being discussed and he hopes to come to a decision as soon as possible.
Human Smuggling
In response to Prime Minister Harper's request that Japan sign the Migrant Smuggling Protocol and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), Prime Minister Kan took note of the fact that the matter is being discussed among Foreign Ministers.
