By Yukiko Ishikawa and Takehito Kudo / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers
![wr18_big[1].jpg](https://defence.pk./attachments/wr18_big-1-jpg.201450/ "wr18_big[1].jpg")
Sharing views about global peace and a number of ongoing issues, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to cooperate on making further international contributions. However the two leaders remained cautious on sensitive issues, such as diplomacy in East Asia.
At a summit meeting on Monday, the two leaders agreed to jointly work on solving the crisis in Ukraine and on counterterrorism measures against militant groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Abe opened the meeting, saying, “Taking this opportunity of Angela’s visit to Japan, I will further develop the bilateral relationship that is contributing to the world’s peace and prosperity.”
Although this is her first visit to Japan since 2008, when she attended the Group of Eight summit meeting in Toyako, Hokkaido, the two leaders have communicated in person and by phone five times in the past year.
At Monday’s meeting, they called each other by their first names, “Shinzo” and “Angela,” projecting a congenial atmosphere.
Germany will host the Group of Seven summit meeting this year. Merkel’s visit to Japan is aimed at reconfirming her country’s close relationship with Japan, which will take the mantle of G-7 host from Germany next year.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Russia has taken up a different stance from the United States and European nations, while the U.S. influence on the international community has waned.
Under such circumstances, demonstrating the cooperation of Japan and Germany would underline the significance of the G-7 and its continued existence.
Abe highly praised Germany, describing it as “a responsible global partner.”
His remark expresses the importance of bilateral cooperation based on shared values.
In addition to hosting the G-7 meetings, Japan and Germany have another aspect in common.
The two nations have rebuilt themselves into major economic powers in Asia and Europe, respectively, after they were defeated in war 70 years ago. From that experience, they have both declared their resolve to actively contribute to the international community.
Abe has announced his policy of proactive contributions to peace.
The ruling bloc is currently discussing security-related legal arrangements. Merkel once again praised the government’s move, which will likely give Abe’s administration a boost in proceeding with his policy.
Sharing Japan’s contributions
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, Abe plans to emphasize Japanese contributions to the international community in nonmilitary fields. Winning the support of other nations will be a great benefit for Japan.
As a countermeasure to ISIL, Japan declared it would support neighboring countries through humanitarian aid. It is also offering financial aid for the Ukraine crisis in cooperation with the United States and European countries, while also offering assistance for countermeasures for Ebola, the hemorrhagic fever currently prevalent mainly in western Africa.
The government also sees opportunities to disseminate its opinions at upcoming events, including a summit meeting to be held in Jakarta late next month to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference, also known as the Bandung Conference, and a planned speech by Abe to the U.S. Congress during the Golden Week holiday period in late April and early May.
Meanwhile, Germany shows it has clearly adopted a stance of confronting threats to the international community in its responses to issues such as the Ukraine crisis and ISIL. It also respects its partnership with Japan, a nation engaged in proactive pacifism.
Last autumn, Germany provided weapons to Kurdish forces from northern Iraq that are battling against ISIL. It was a transition for Germany, which had been forbidden from providing weapons to troops in conflict areas since the end of World War II in light of its Nazi era. The German government explained that providing weapons helps boost the nation’s security as many foreigners are participating in ISIL as fighters, and the extremist group is now a threat to Germany and other European nations. It will likely send up to 100 German federal forces members to northern Iraq.
Amid the Ukraine crisis, Merkel used her ability to speak Russian in negotiations lasting 16 hours to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin and others to agree to a ceasefire between the Ukraine military and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Leaders discussed East Asian security
During their talks in Tokyo, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the situation in East Asia and shared a common perception about the security environment involving Japan at the summit meeting.
Abe pointed out the importance of compliance and formulating rules of the seas, bearing in mind that China is expanding its activities in the East China Sea. He also discussed nuclear developments and the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea.
Abe emphasized accomplishments at the joint press conference after the meeting, saying: “[We] deepened discussions about the severe security environment confronted by the international community including the Asian region.”
Especially because China is the biggest trading partner for Germany in Asia, surpassing Japan, Merkel carefully kept her distance from issues of historical perceptions before and during World War II, over which China and South Korea have been confronting Japan. Merkel has had summit-level meetings on five visits to China in the past seven years, but on those trips she did not visit Japan.
Merkel said at the summit meeting on Monday, “I am not in a position to give advice,” and limited herself to briefly explaining Germany’s experience, saying: “Germany verified its activities during the era of the Nazis with transparency.”
She said at a press conference after the meeting, “How should we respond to the sin of the Holocaust for which we should take responsibility? Summing up the past can be a prerequisite to reconciliation,” but she stopped short of direct reference to situations involving Japan.
Merkel declined Chinese President Xi Jinping’s request to visit a Holocaust memorial in Berlin last March.
When asked, “What should be noticed in trying to improve relations between the countries in East Asia?” at her lecture in Tokyo on Monday, Merkel replied: “It is difficult to give advice. What is important is to find measures for a peaceful resolution,” and was consistently careful not to become overly committed to one side between Japan and China.
Japan, Germany join hands to further intl contributions - The Japan News
Sharing views about global peace and a number of ongoing issues, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to cooperate on making further international contributions. However the two leaders remained cautious on sensitive issues, such as diplomacy in East Asia.
At a summit meeting on Monday, the two leaders agreed to jointly work on solving the crisis in Ukraine and on counterterrorism measures against militant groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Abe opened the meeting, saying, “Taking this opportunity of Angela’s visit to Japan, I will further develop the bilateral relationship that is contributing to the world’s peace and prosperity.”
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Although this is her first visit to Japan since 2008, when she attended the Group of Eight summit meeting in Toyako, Hokkaido, the two leaders have communicated in person and by phone five times in the past year.
At Monday’s meeting, they called each other by their first names, “Shinzo” and “Angela,” projecting a congenial atmosphere.
Germany will host the Group of Seven summit meeting this year. Merkel’s visit to Japan is aimed at reconfirming her country’s close relationship with Japan, which will take the mantle of G-7 host from Germany next year.
Regarding the situation in Ukraine, Russia has taken up a different stance from the United States and European nations, while the U.S. influence on the international community has waned.
Under such circumstances, demonstrating the cooperation of Japan and Germany would underline the significance of the G-7 and its continued existence.
Abe highly praised Germany, describing it as “a responsible global partner.”
His remark expresses the importance of bilateral cooperation based on shared values.
In addition to hosting the G-7 meetings, Japan and Germany have another aspect in common.
The two nations have rebuilt themselves into major economic powers in Asia and Europe, respectively, after they were defeated in war 70 years ago. From that experience, they have both declared their resolve to actively contribute to the international community.
Abe has announced his policy of proactive contributions to peace.
The ruling bloc is currently discussing security-related legal arrangements. Merkel once again praised the government’s move, which will likely give Abe’s administration a boost in proceeding with his policy.
Sharing Japan’s contributions
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II this year, Abe plans to emphasize Japanese contributions to the international community in nonmilitary fields. Winning the support of other nations will be a great benefit for Japan.
As a countermeasure to ISIL, Japan declared it would support neighboring countries through humanitarian aid. It is also offering financial aid for the Ukraine crisis in cooperation with the United States and European countries, while also offering assistance for countermeasures for Ebola, the hemorrhagic fever currently prevalent mainly in western Africa.
The government also sees opportunities to disseminate its opinions at upcoming events, including a summit meeting to be held in Jakarta late next month to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Asian-African Conference, also known as the Bandung Conference, and a planned speech by Abe to the U.S. Congress during the Golden Week holiday period in late April and early May.
Meanwhile, Germany shows it has clearly adopted a stance of confronting threats to the international community in its responses to issues such as the Ukraine crisis and ISIL. It also respects its partnership with Japan, a nation engaged in proactive pacifism.
Last autumn, Germany provided weapons to Kurdish forces from northern Iraq that are battling against ISIL. It was a transition for Germany, which had been forbidden from providing weapons to troops in conflict areas since the end of World War II in light of its Nazi era. The German government explained that providing weapons helps boost the nation’s security as many foreigners are participating in ISIL as fighters, and the extremist group is now a threat to Germany and other European nations. It will likely send up to 100 German federal forces members to northern Iraq.
Amid the Ukraine crisis, Merkel used her ability to speak Russian in negotiations lasting 16 hours to persuade Russian President Vladimir Putin and others to agree to a ceasefire between the Ukraine military and pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.
Leaders discussed East Asian security
During their talks in Tokyo, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the situation in East Asia and shared a common perception about the security environment involving Japan at the summit meeting.
Abe pointed out the importance of compliance and formulating rules of the seas, bearing in mind that China is expanding its activities in the East China Sea. He also discussed nuclear developments and the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea.
Abe emphasized accomplishments at the joint press conference after the meeting, saying: “[We] deepened discussions about the severe security environment confronted by the international community including the Asian region.”
Especially because China is the biggest trading partner for Germany in Asia, surpassing Japan, Merkel carefully kept her distance from issues of historical perceptions before and during World War II, over which China and South Korea have been confronting Japan. Merkel has had summit-level meetings on five visits to China in the past seven years, but on those trips she did not visit Japan.
Merkel said at the summit meeting on Monday, “I am not in a position to give advice,” and limited herself to briefly explaining Germany’s experience, saying: “Germany verified its activities during the era of the Nazis with transparency.”
She said at a press conference after the meeting, “How should we respond to the sin of the Holocaust for which we should take responsibility? Summing up the past can be a prerequisite to reconciliation,” but she stopped short of direct reference to situations involving Japan.
Merkel declined Chinese President Xi Jinping’s request to visit a Holocaust memorial in Berlin last March.
When asked, “What should be noticed in trying to improve relations between the countries in East Asia?” at her lecture in Tokyo on Monday, Merkel replied: “It is difficult to give advice. What is important is to find measures for a peaceful resolution,” and was consistently careful not to become overly committed to one side between Japan and China.
Japan, Germany join hands to further intl contributions - The Japan News
