Opening Address by H.E. Ambassador Odano
at The 13th Japan-EU Conference
Brussels, 30th November 2010
H.E. Ambassador Nobutake Odano
Session: “Assessing the relationship between Japan, the EU and the US: a New Trilateralism?”
(Role of Japan, EU and the U.S. in the Changing World)
Today, Asia’s political and economic weight is rising, especially due to the vibrant growth of its emerging economies, and that of its population (60% of the world total). However, in Asia, there are remnants of the Cold War mentality where the old behavioral patterns such as belief in power and sphere of influence are still observed. This was illustrated in North Korea’s torpedo attack against a warship of the Republic of Korea in March, the intensive shelling of Yeonpyenong Island and the suspected nuclear enrichment activities. Also, the disturbance in the supply of rare earth has created a wide-spread concern in business communities in the region and Europe. Democratic governance has not yet prevailed and a regional structure based on mutual confidence has not yet been established. In promoting stable development in Asia, which brings benefit to the entire world, Japan has been, and will remain, a steadfast partner for Europe and the U.S.
The trilateral cooperation among Japan, EU and the U.S. need to continue to be the major driving force towards the establishment of an international community based on peace and prosperity. The importance of our cooperation is increasing while emerging countries, such as China, India, Indonesia and Brazil are drawing much attention. The reason is simple: Japan, EU and the U.S. share a commitment to fundamental values and principles which the international community should embrace, namely: plural democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of press, the rule of law, human rights and an open market economy. This enables us to navigate in this rapidly changing world. The three like-minded partners, amounting to 60% of the world GDP, are essential to prosperity and security of our citizens and the world.
(Strengthening of Japan-EU Relations)
In this cooperation among the like-minded partners, there remains large untapped potential of Japan-EU relations. Japan and the U.S. have solid ties based on the Security Treaty, as is the case for Europe and the U.S. through close Trans Atlantic arrangements including NATO. In November, President Obama visited four Asian democracies, Japan, South Korea, India and Indonesia, and attended the APEC Yokohama Summit in Japan. Recently, Trans Atlantic relations were visibly enhanced by the U.S.-EU Summit and the NATO Summit in Lisbon. It is time for us to solidify Japan-EU relations to cultivate more benefits from our cooperation. The new arrangements under the Lisbon Treaty including European External Action Service should give momentum to guide Japan-EU relations to a higher level.
The effort towards enhanced relations has already started. At the 19th Japan-EU Summit in Tokyo in April 2010, the leaders agreed to establish a Joint High-Level Group and identify options for strengthening Japan-EU relations and defining the framework for its implementation.
As a part of it, Japan wants to have an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU. EPA will accelerate more comprehensive economic integration through bilateral cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights, investments and government procurement to reference but a few. The EPA should further promote trade and investment in mutual direction, creating more job opportunities on both sides and enabling consumers to enjoy a variety of high quality products at more reasonable cost. It is our strong ambition to agree on starting negotiations at the next Japan-EU Summit meeting in 2011.
In this regard, the EU clarified its position in the new trade strategy, saying that “Japan’s capacity to demonstrate that non-tariff barriers can be removed is the key condition for closer economic integration”. Japan, with the EU, has been engaged with strenuous efforts in tackling “a few specific non-tariff issues” as test cases. Along with the newly adopted “Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnerships” by the Cabinet, Japan is determined to accelerate its efforts to reform its domestic non-tariff measures.
(Examples of the Japan-EU-US Cooperation)
Along with enhanced Japan-EU relations, cooperation between Japan, EU and the U.S. can be further expanded. This can be highlighted in three main areas: the world in harmony with nature, the world with a stable and prosperous economy, and the world free from war and terrorism.
(World in Harmony with Nature; the Environment Question)
Achieving life in harmony with nature for sustainable growth is a vital common task for all mankind. Japan led the COP10 on Biodiversity to a successful conclusion in Nagoya as the country holding the presidency. Supports from European partners including Commissioner Potoćnik as a facilitator contributed to Japan’s efforts for consensus building among 179 countries. It produced tangible achievements including the Post-2010 Aichi Target and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). Those achievements have built new momentum for ongoing climate change negotiations. Japan, EU and the U.S. are facing a daunting task to establish a fair and effective international framework with the participation of all major economies based on the Copenhagen Accord. Towards the COP 16 Cancun Meeting and beyond, Japan, EU and the U.S. must strengthen policy coordination for this purpose. In this regard, further engagement of the U.S. will significantly bolster our efforts.
(World with Stable and Prosperous Economy)
Second, it is our task to ensure that everyone benefits from a stable and prosperous economy. Despite some indications of recovery in the world economy this year, uneven growth and widening imbalances still cast a shadow. Recent crises in Greece and Ireland were clear examples of its volatility and uncertainty.
Sustainable growth needs a stable financial system with balanced economies. Japan, EU and the U.S. can contribute to sustainable growth by promoting a more market-oriented exchange rate system to reflect underlying economic fundamentals, and by refraining from competitive devaluation of currencies. We also need to enhance our policy coordination to oppose any protectionist measures and to aim to have a prompt conclusion of the Doha Development Agenda. The industrialized economies should demonstrate leadership in moving into action aiming towards global recovery.
(World Free from War and Terrorism)
Third, we must construct a world free from war and terrorism. In Afghanistan, the U.S., together with European partner countries, is leading International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Japan and EU are engaged in the capacity building of Afghan security forces and rural development assistance. Japan has supported a half of the annual salaries of all 96,000 Afghan civil policemen through the Law and Order Trust Fund (LOTFA), of which the EU is also a major donor. Furthermore, Japan and the EU co-hosted a conference on Tajikistan-Afghanistan Border Management and Trade Facilitation in October.
In Somalia and in the Gulf of Eden, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force is conducting anti-piracy activities in close cooperation with the U.S. led Combined Task Force 151 and the EU operation “Atalanta”. Japan’s P-3C patrol aircrafts are engaged in warning and surveillance activities in this effort protecting a major maritime trade route. Chinese-(amounting to 140) and German-registered ships (amounting to 104) are the second and third major beneficiaries of the escort operation for 1234 ships by the Japanese frigates in the past 15 months. This demonstrates that Japan can play a significant role in the field of cooperation with the EU and the U.S.
(Conclusion: New Trilateralism)
Japan, EU, and the U.S. can build-up a strong partnership to tackle global challenges by promoting concrete cooperation. This will be beneficial to the international community. It is my sincere hope that the discussion today provides an opportunity to reflect on the great potential for our future