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On the afternoon of February 18, DPJ Next Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoshio Hachiro was invited to the joint lunch meeting in Tokyo of the Ambassadors of EU Member States and the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan, where he talked about the DPJ’s stance on diplomacy, security, finance, economy and related problems.
House of Representatives member Hachiro began by emphasizing that the tackling of international affairs, climate change issues, science and technology cooperation and human exchanges should be effectively reinforced and, on this basis, stressed that in order to establish relationships of mutual trust based on equality with each foreign country, it is important to transform the non-proactive diplomacy that has prevailed in Japan until now. He highlighted that the DPJ wishes to build a true relationship of trust with the United States through equal terms of dialogue, not by following in their footsteps.
With regards to the participation in the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan, he underlined that it is essential to encourage a reconciliation and agreement on ceasefire among the parties concerned and, once this is achieved, the DPJ intends to go ahead with the humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.
Also, Hachiro said that the PKO under the auspices of the United Nations (UN) is compatible with the principles of Japan’s Constitution, therefore Japan will take part in these operations when required by the UN, based on Japan’s autonomous judgment and democratic control.
In reference to the economic policies, he said that Japan should employ all possible measures with the cooperation of all parties concerned, without resorting to protectionist actions.
Subsequently, Hachiro expressed the DPJ’s determination to do whatever it takes to win the general election and actually implement these policies.
Questions asked by the Ambassadors who attended the meeting included exchanges with Russia, measures to address the economic crisis, the relation between Japan and the EU and the significance of the renovation of Japan’s diplomacy and equal partnerships.
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