Ambassador Odano's Speech at
the College of Europe in Bruges
******************************************************************************************************************************************
Summary of speech by
H.E. Ambassador Nobutake ODANO
At the College of EuropeBruges
29 January 2009
“A Reevaluation of Japan-European Relations for a
Stronger Partnership in the Changing Global Community”
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The year 2008 began with a fair amount of optimism in European capitals. The Euro was strong and stable. Many people envisaged that the Treaty of Lisbon would be approved by all the member states. However, before the year was over we were to witness many threats to international peace and stability such as volatile fluctuations in the price of commodities, the conflict in Georgia, and the financial and economic crisis.
In 2009, the new U.S. administration led by President Obama will make the revitalization of the U.S. economy its highest priority. The Lisbon Treaty effect still requires ratification by the Czech Republic as well as a referendum in Ireland. Before that, we will have European Parliament elections in June and the possible appointment of a new Commission shortly after. General elections are planned for Germany and Portugal. The people of Europe will cast their votes at a time of unprecedented economic crisis and mounting unemployment.
In order to tackle the financial crisis of the late 1920’s large industrial countries opted for protectionist policies, depreciated their own currencies, and damaged the economies of their trading partners. When we reflect on this past experience, it is clear that what we need now is not inward-looking attitudes focusing on narrow national interest, but international coordination and cooperation. I would like to take this opportunity to consider with you the important contributions Japan-EU cooperation can make in order to tackle the difficult international challenges we face.
Japan and Asia
Since 1945, Japan has made great efforts to reconstruct and develop its own economy whilst helping to achieve stability and development in East Asia. Japan is very much a ‘soft power’, and it has used the instruments of this soft power to contribute to the peace and prosperity of East Asia. The miracle of Japan’s economic development in the second half of the 20th century has been followed by the emergence of new industrial economies throughout Asia. Over the past few years GDP growth in Asia has been remarkable.
One of Asia’s strengths is its abundant and talented young work force. The populations of China and India make up nearly 40% of the world total of 6.7 billion, and furthermore they are still increasing. Japan’s GDP is roughly the same as that of China and India combined. With its potential for high economic growth Asia can be expected to be a major driving force in the world economy. For this reason, a politically stable Asia free from conflict and terrorism is essential.
To demonstrate Asia’s increased importance we need only look at the growth in economic ties with the EU. In 2007, Japan, China, South Korea and India were all in the top 10 list of the EU’s largest trading partners. Total EU trade with these 4 Asian countries constitutes 20% of the EU’s trade with the world. As the world’s factory, its relatively cheap labour makes Asia attractive to European companies. Once domestic demand in Asia expands in line with its huge population, the larger market will make Asia an irreplaceable cog in the engine of sustainable economic growth. Therefore I hope you understand just how important it is that you consider Japan and the rest of Asia when you picture the 21st century in a balanced manner.
Possibility of Japan-EU cooperation
On that thought, I would like to address future relations and cooperation between the EU and Japan by reflecting on their reactions to some major challenges which have recently endangered international stability and prosperity.The conflict in Georgia last August resulted in significant damage to both Russia and Georgia and destabilized the surrounding region in terms of energy security. From the outset, the EU played a significant role as mediator and shortly after the conflict co-hosted the Georgia Donor’s Conference with the World Bank. At the conference Japan announced an economic assistance package of around 200 million dollars, the largest after the U.S. and the EU. Japan’s substantial contribution demonstrates that the situation in Georgia is not a merely a European concern but a global issue.
Another major issue which requires Japan-EU cooperation is the current economic crisis. At the Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Washington D.C. in November, Japan and the EU, together with other international partners, agreed to coordinate their responses to this unprecedented crisis.
A recent shock to international peace was the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas at the end of 2008. The EU’s ministerial delegation including the High Representative for the CFSP Javier Solana visited the Middle East and mediated a settlement. Prime Minister Aso called on both sides to implement an immediate ceasefire and announced emergency humanitarian aid worth 10 million dollars for the Gaza strip.
This series of events demonstrates that global peace and stability can only be maintained by careful management of every country. It is essential for all countries to share the vision and responsibility of maintaining peace and stability although. The actions taken by Japan and the EU regarding these international crises are clear evidence of their strong will to carry that burden and fulfill their responsibilities to the international community.
In this context, Japan considers the EU and the U.S. as essential partners sharing international responsibility. I believe that the EU regards Japan and the U.S. in a similar vein. This is because we share the same fundamental belief in principles such as democracy, the rule of law, human rights and the market economy. It is undeniable that certain countries with huge populations and high growth rates such as India, China, and Brazil are garnering much more attention, and that the world is slowly becoming more multipolar. Be that as it may, we must properly recognize that Japan, the EU and the U.S. remain the main stabilizing forces in global politics, the global economy and in countless other settings and environments. These three players are the major driving forces of the democratic world.
Therefore I would like to divert your attention to the interrelationships that exist between Japan, the EU and the U.S.
Japan - U.S. relations
The United States is Japan’s main ally and our alliance is a cornerstone of Japanese foreign policy. The Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements based on the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty function as a fundamental framework to secure stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Recently appointed U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton reasserted this fact during her Senate confirmation hearing on January 13th.European - U.S. relations
The Trans-Atlantic partnership is based on NATO. While not all European countries are members, it is fair to say that Europe and the U.S. are connected by an unbreakable bond under the common objectives of defending global peace and stability, spreading democracy and fostering development. Parallel to this, the EU has been developing its Common Foreign and Security Policy.Japan-European relations
Firm relationships based on the historical ties of security arrangements have been established between Japan and the U.S. as well as Europe and the U.S. Yet when looking at the Japan-Europe relationship one cannot help but feel that it is not yet at the same level. Japan and the EU must establish a stronger relationship akin to the Japan-U.S. and transatlantic alliances.At the end of the 1980s when I was living in London, Japanese-European relations centered on trade, and were not without some friction. It is somewhat unfortunate that Japan-EU relations receive less attention now that is no longer the case. Our relations are in fact better than they have ever been, but there is vast scope still for further cooperation. We need a more active engagement to specify common challenges, and deepen mutual cooperation to meet them.
How could Japan-EU cooperation contribute to international society in complement with European-U.S. and Japan-U.S. cooperation? The answer I believe is to outline a model for international society along with basic rules. It is important for those of us who share the same fundamental values and principles to frankly exchange opinions on what form our ideal international society would take. We should then share and promote that ideal while working together towards making it a reality.
It is by now perhaps a cliché to say that the world has become smaller. Porous national borders mean threats to one nation can easily become global problems which can be contained only by a combination of diplomatic, economic, development and security measures rather than pure military or hard power. President Obama’s inauguration speech seemed to reflect this view. Soft power has to play a prominent role in building our ideal society and Japan, together with its partners, has a role to play in this.
Some concrete examples
Several aspects of this ideal society could be aided by stronger Japan-EU cooperation. First of all, we must enable sustainable development to occur in harmony with the environment; containing global warming will be a serious challenge. The mandate of the Kyoto Protocol is due to expire in 2012. At COP 15 in Copenhagen at the end of 2009, we must therefore establish an effective and practical international framework beyond 2012 for reducing global emissions in which all major emitters including the U.S., China, and India can participate.Second, we must pursue a society free from fear of war or terrorism. In the Middle East, Japan and the EU have to make best use of their resources and be actively engaged in the region to create the requisite conditions for the foundation of a peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine based on the ‘Two-State Solution.’
In Afghanistan, further Japan-EU cooperation is necessary. Japan is already working with several European countries on supporting elementary education and vocational training. In the Indian Ocean, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force have since 2001 continued to support the fight against terrorism through fuel-replenishment activities whose recipients include 7 EU member states.
A third area where further Japan-EU cooperation would reap dividends is the international economy. The current economic and financial crisis is having a serious impact on people’s daily lives. It is imperative that we construct a stable economic and financial system is capable of averting similar crises in the future. Simultaneously, we need to reach agreement at the WTO DDA negotiations and reject protectionist policies.
Lastly, we must do more for underdeveloped regions such as Africa where millions suffering from poverty are excluded from the benefits of global economic growth. At the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development held in Yokohama in 2008, Japan emphasized the importance of achieving the Millennium Development Goals and announced a doubling of its ODA to Africa and plans to assist in doubling Japanese private sector FDI to Africa, both over the next 5 years, as well as a doubling of Africa’s rice production over the next 10.
There are many other areas where we could deal with common challenges more effectively. For one, the security situation in East Asia including China and the Korean Peninsula affects global security and the global economy. In this sense, it cannot be viewed as fire on the other side of the river by the EU.
Japan and several EU member states also have very similar demographic problems with rapidly aging populations and declining birthrates. It is urgent that we adapt and take effective measures to reduce the associated fall in industrial competitiveness as well as reverse the trend of declining birth rates and improve our education and social security systems
In the field of next-generation technology, Japan and the EU are involved in the future utilization of fusion energy with the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project. Also, Japan is at present negotiating the Science and Technology Agreement with the EU to further promote technology cooperation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is widely accepted that the current economic crisis is unprecedented. It is vitally important that major economies do not become inward looking as a result. The EU may be tempted to do so because of the European Parliament elections and change in the European Commission. However in order to maintain and improve international peace and stability, the expansion and deepening of mutual coordination and cooperation between Japan, the EU and the U.S. is required more than ever. It is my sincere hope that this lecture has been an opportunity for you, who will play important roles in the EU, to reevaluate and recognize anew the value of Japanese-European relations.
Thank you for your kind attention.
back to top