1.
One Year after 3/11: A
New Concept of ‘Security’ from Japan
2.
The Fourth TICAD
Ministerial Follow-up Meeting
3.
G8 Summit in Camp David
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JICC
Newsletter
No.8, July 2012 |
G8 Summit in Camp David
The Summit Emphasized the “Back to Basics” Approach and the Leaders
Had Frank Discussions on Various Agenda Such as the Global Economy
and Regional Issues
On May 18 and 19, the G8 Summit was held in Camp
David, the United States, where Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda
attended from Japan. As the Chair, the United States held the summit
at the President’s country retreat, emphasizing back to the basics
of the G8 Summit. A detailed exchange of views was carried out among
leaders on a broad range of political and economic issues.
Japan mainly discussed the following points at the
Summit:
(1) Regional and Political Issues
Discussion was held concerning Iran, Syria, North
Korea, Myanmar, and others. Regarding Iran, Prime Minister Noda
noted that imports of Iranian crude oil to Japan have been reduced
despite the difficult circumstances caused by the Great East Japan
Earthquake, and expressed his hope that progress will be made
through each and every effort by the EU 3+3, IAEA, and other
entities. Concerning North Korea, he stated that the international
community should make clear that any wrongdoing will not be
rewarded, and that the international community, including the G8,
should convey their united and firm resolve to North Korea in order
to prevent further provocations. Prime Minister Noda also asked for
the continued support of each G8 nation on the abduction issue.
(2) The Global Economy
During discussions on the response to the resurging
European debt crisis and the importance of achieving fiscal
consolidation while also maintaining economic growth, Japan
explained that Japan has contributed to the resolution of the crisis
and prevention of its spread into Asia such as by strengthening the
IMF resources and enhancing the Chiang Mai Initiative. In addition,
Japan stated that achieving both fiscal consolidation and economic
growth is important for Japan as well and explained the initiatives
on the comprehensive reform of social security and tax. Japan also
affirmed the necessity of promoting free trade as a driver for
growth, efforts on promoting economic partnerships, and the
importance of avoiding protectionism.
(3) Africa and Food Security
Together with the African leaders and the private
sector participants, the Leaders discussed the “New Alliance” aimed
at stimulating private sector investment to improve food security in
Africa. Japan expressed its determination to make next year’s TICAD
V a success based on the outcomes of TICAD IV. In this regard, Japan
intends to further enhance cooperation with United Kingdom, the G8
Chair next year.
(4) Afghanistan’s Economic Transition
Japan explained the importance of a mutual commitment
between the international community and the government of
Afghanistan, the necessity of improving governance in Afghanistan,
the establishment of biennial review mechanisms, and other issues
regarding Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan in July. The G8 confirmed
to provide political support for the Conference.
At this Summit, the “G8 Camp David Summit
Declaration”, “Fact Sheet on G8 Actions”, and the “Statement by G8
Leaders on Global Oil Markets” were issued respectively.
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