Embassy of Japan in Canada

(Tentative Translation)

Japan-Canada Summit Meeting (Overview)

September 22, 2011

(Photo credit: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

On September 21, Prime Minister Yoshihiko NODA, who was visiting New York City to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a Japan-Canada summit meeting with the Right Honorable Stephen Joseph Harper, Prime Minister of Canada. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Opening Remarks (General remarks on Japan-Canada relationship)

Prime Minister Harper offered congratulations to Prime Minister Noda for the appointment of new Prime Minister of Japan. He further expressed that Japan and Canada are important partners in terms of coping with various global challenges as well as on the economic front, and stated that he would like to work closely with Prime Minister Noda. In response, Prime Minister Noda stated that Japan and Canada are both Asia-Pacific nations that share fundamental values and that progress is being made toward cooperation between the two countries not only in the field of economy but also in security.

2. The Great East Japan Earthquake

Prime Minister Harper voiced his sincere regrets to Prime Minister Noda on having to face difficult challenges such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and nuclear power plant accidents. He further stated that Canada would like to provide any assistance it can to Japan. In response, Prime Minister Noda expressed his gratitude to Canada for the substantial offer of moral and material support, and particularly for being the first country to lift Japanese food import restrictions along with travel restrictions to Japan.

3. Economic Relationship between Japan and Canada

(1) Economic Partnership between Japan and Canada

Prime Minister Harper stated that he would like to finalize the joint study of the Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as soon as possible and enter into EPA negotiations. Prime Minister Noda stated that with regard to the Japan-Canada EPA, he would like the joint study to be completed as soon as possible while taking into consideration the status of recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake.

(2) Issue of Import Conditions on Canadian Beef

Prime Minister Harper made a request regarding the deregulation of import conditions on Canadian beef, and Prime Minister Noda stated that he would like to continue discussions to resolve this matter in a mutually acceptable manner.