APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and Other Events: First Day
Cabinet Secretariat, Friday, November 10, 2017
On November 9, 2017 (local time), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Da Nang in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and other events.
The next day, on November 10 (local time), Prime Minister Abe held meetings, respectively, with H.E. Mr. Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, President of the Republic of Peru; H.E. Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam; the Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand; H.E. Mr. Enrique Peña Nieto, President of the United Mexican States; the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada; and H.E. Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
In the evening, after a commemorative photograph session with the leaders of each country, the Prime Minister attended a welcome dinner.
After the Japan-Russia summit meeting, the Prime Minister said,
“This is the 20th time that I have held a summit meeting with President Putin. I believe that we spoke quite openly to each other and have an in-depth discussion.
To begin with, on the North Korea issue, we confirmed that we will rigorously implement the recent United Nations Security Council sanctions resolution. We also shared the view that we will continue close coordination.
Meanwhile, concerning the issue of peace treaty negotiations, we have seen the following progress.
First, on joint economic activities in the Northern Territories, we agreed to accelerate considerations toward the materialization of projects in the five fields next spring, based on the local survey carried out last month. To that end, we agreed to hold a working group meeting by the end of this year, and vice-ministerial level discussions at an early date next year, in order to discuss legal frameworks and a framework for the movement of people. Concerning grave visits via airplane by former residents of the Northern Territories, we shared the view that this will not be limited to the visit this time, but will continue on with visits next year as well. I hope to steadily advance the agreement reached during our meeting in Nagato City toward my visit to St. Petersburg in May of next year. I also want to steadily progress, step-by-step, to resolve the issue of the attribution of the four Northern Islands and conclude a peace treaty.
On the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations among 11 countries we achieved an agreement in principle, at yesterday’s ministerial meeting,. However, today, from the Canadian side, we heard that the agreement at the ministerial level was yet to be confirmed at its leader’s level. . Although all the other members can confirm the ministerial agreement in principle at the leaders’ level, , unfortunately, Canada has not yet reached the stage where its leader can confirm it. For that reason, the leaders’ meeting on the TPP will be postponed. Minister Motegi will explain the details.”
APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and Other Events: Second Day
Cabinet Secretariat, Saturday, November 11, 2017
On November 11, 2017 (local time), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is visiting Da Nang in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting and other events, attended the Leaders’ Meeting and then participated in a leaders’ commemorative photograph session.
Later, Prime Minister Abe held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China. Afterwards, he visited an exhibit of “Shuinsen,” a shogunate licensed trading boat from Nagasaki Prefecture, followed by a dinner banquet hosted by H.E. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
After finishing the meeting with President Xi, the Prime Minister said,
“I held a summit meeting with President Xi. Our meeting was held in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere, and I believe we had a frank and open exchange of views on international affairs, including the North Korea issue, as well as our bilateral relations. At the meeting’s close, President Xi stated that the meeting represented a new start for Japan-China relations, and I completely agreed.
First, we had a discussion about the North Korea issue. As the situation surrounding North Korea approaches a critical juncture, China should now play an extremely large role. We shared the view that Japan and China will continue to deepen our coordination. I believe this is extremely significant. Coordination between our two countries is extremely important for peace and stability in the region. We have seen good progress on the Maritime and Aerial Communication Mechanism in the East China Sea, and we agreed to accelerate discussions toward its early implementation. At the same time, we also agreed to bolster cooperation at all levels, including for the further promotion of exchanges among the people of Japan and China. In particular, in terms of economic issues, I proposed to develop Japan-China cooperative business in third-party countries in addition to the promotion of our bilateral trade and investment. I believe we also reached an understanding on this proposal. We also agreed to hold a Japan-China-Republic of Korea summit meeting as soon as possible; I would like to welcome to Japan H.E. Dr. Li Keqiang, the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. Following this, in light of the fact that next year will be a major milestone as the 40th anniversary of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and the People’s Republic of China, I proposed that I visit China at an appropriate time, and that President Xi visit Japan as soon as possible as well. President Xi replied with positive comments, saying that he valued my proposed visit to China and other high-level exchanges. Through such high-level visits, I hope to bring Japan-China relations to a new level. In addition, I am supposed to hold a summit meeting with Premier Li in Manilla, the Philippines.
Japan and China both have large responsibilities for the peace, stability, and prosperity of the region and the world. I will take various opportunities to continue dialogue going forward. Under the major principle of our ‘Mutually Beneficial Relationship based on Common Strategic Interests,’ I will strongly advance the improvement of Japan-China relations from a broad perspective, and fulfill the expectations of the international community.”
ASEAN-related Summit Meetings and Other Events: First Day
Cabinet Secretariat, Sunday, November 12, 2017
[Provisional Translation]
On November 12, 2017 (local time), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Manila in the Republic of the Philippines to attend Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related Summit Meetings and other events.
The Prime Minister held meetings with the Honourable Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, and H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, respectively.
Afterwards, Prime Minister Abe attended a gala dinner in celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN.
ASEAN-related Summit Meetings and Other Events: Second Day
Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, November 13, 2017
On November 13, 2017 (local time), during his visit to Manila in the Republic of the Philippines for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related Summit Meetings and other events, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the opening ceremony of the ASEAN- related Summit Meetings.
Later, after holding a meeting with the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, and the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia, Prime Minister Abe held talks respectively with Prime Minister Turnbull; H.M. Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam; and H.E. Dr. Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
Thereafter, after attending the Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting, the Prime Minister held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, and then attended as one of the Plus Three Countries (Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea) the ASEAN Plus Three Leaders’ Interface with the East Asia Business Council, as well as the Japan-Mekong Summit Meeting.
ASEAN-related Summit Meetings and Other Events: Third Day
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, November 14, 2017
[Provisional Translation]
On November 14, 2017 (local time), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is visiting Manila in the Republic of the Philippines for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related Summit Meetings and other events, attended the ASEAN+3 (Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea) Summit Meeting and then held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India.
Later, Prime Minister Abe attended the East Asia Summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Summit, which was followed by a meeting with H.E. Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar.
In the evening, the Prime Minister held a press conference.
Japan-Malaysia Summit Meeting
Foreign Affairs, Sunday, November 12, 2017
On November 12, commencing at around 5:20 p.m. (local time, 6:20 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a meeting with The Honourable Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Malaysia, during his visit to Manila, the Philippines to attend the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings. The overview is as follows.
1. Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Abe stated that in this year of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations he would like to further deepen the “strategic partnership” between Japan and Malaysia. He also welcomed progress in the area of Halal-related cooperation and stated that Japan seeks to strengthen cooperation in various fields.
In response, Prime Minister Najib expressed appreciation for Japan’s leadership in the forum of the TPP, which had led to agreement at the ministerial level. Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will engage in cooperation in order to realize the early entry into force of the TPP.
The two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation in various areas including highspeed railway and defense cooperation, and Prime Minister Najib expressed his appreciation for Japan’s cooperation in the area of maritime safety and security, including the provision of patrol vessels, noting that Japan’s world-class maintenance and management technologies are highly valued. He also stated that Malaysia would like to advance Halal-related cooperation.
2. Regional Situation
The two leaders exchanged opinions on matters concerning the regional situation, including North Korea and the South China Sea, and confirmed that Japan and Malaysia will continue to cooperate closely.
Japan-Brunei Summit Meeting
Foreign Affairs, Monday, November 13, 2017
On November 13, commencing at 12:40 p.m. (local time, 1:40 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, during his visit to Manila, Philippines to attend the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings, held a Japan-Brunei summit meeting with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam. The overview is as follows.
1 Bilateral Relations
Prime Minister Abe expressed congratulations on the 50th anniversary of the accession to the throne of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah this year, and stated that he intends to further strengthen bilateral relations, noting that Japan hopes to cooperate on Brunei’s economic diversification. He also expressed appreciation for Brunei’s cooperation as the coordinating country for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with Japan and stated that he intends to engage in close cooperation towards the further development of Japan-ASEAN relations.
In response, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah stated that Brunei would like to further develop bilateral cooperation in the energy field and also in matters relating to trade and investment relations. He noted that Brunei had cooperated for approximately three years as the coordinating country for ASEAN with Japan and stated that from the beginning of ASEAN Japan had been involved as the organization’s most important dialogue partner and that he hoped to continue close cooperation in the future.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah also expressed appreciation for Japan’s leadership in the forum of the TPP Ministerial Meeting, which had led to an agreement in principle at the ministerial level. Prime Minister Abe responded that he will continue to cooperate towards the early entry into force of the TPP.
2 Regional Affairs
The two leaders engaged in an exchange of views on regional affairs, including North Korea and the South China Sea, and confirmed that Japan and Brunei will work closely together on regional issues. In particular, with regard to North Korea, Prime Minister Abe stated that he would like to cooperate in sending out a strong message from the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings about the importance of using all means to place maximum pressure on North Korea, including the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He also noted that the abductions issue is a matter of concern for the entire international community. In response, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah stated that Brunei has minimal relations with North Korea and that he fully understands Japan’s strong desire to resolve the abductions issue.
Japan Self-Defense Forces Anniversary and Prime Minister's Commendation Ceremony
Cabinet Secretariat, Wednesday, November 8, 2017
[Provisional Translation]
On November 8, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Japan Self-Defense Forces anniversary and Prime Minister's commendation ceremony held at the Prime Minister's Office.
The Prime Minister said in his address,
“I would like to express my sincere congratulations to the unit commanders selected from among the Self-Defense Force (SDF) commanders across the country to receive this prestigious special award.
The SDF works tirelessly for the Japanese people. It diligently fulfills its duties with steadfast devotion at the risk of putting themselves in danger, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. SDF personnel are indeed the unsung heroes of Japan.
The efforts of everyone being recognized here today are indispensable to the SDF’s fulfillment of its duties. It would not be an overstatement to say that you are the true backbone that sustains the efforts of this country’s unsung heroes.
Your units may not have received direct words of praise or gratitude from the people of Japan. Even so, you have diligently undertaken your duties and made every effort to fulfill the mandate given to you by the people, with a strong sense of mission and responsibility. I am proud of you.
There is no doubt that the lives and peaceful livelihoods of the people of Japan are protected thanks to your selfless efforts.
As the Commander-in-Chief of the SDF, and as the Prime Minister representing the Government, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude and respect to each and every person who has served as a member of the SDF throughout its history.
I also would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to all of the family members of the SDF personnel, who are also supporting the personnel.
The Japanese people who trust and rely on you stand behind you.
I have high expectations that you will take the opportunity of this special award to aim for even greater heights by having confidence and taking pride in yourselves.”
Signing of Japanese ODA Loan Agreements with Indonesia: Supporting port infrastructure for enhanced logistics functions and building industry-academia partnership facilities
JICA, Wednesday, November 15, 2017
On November 15, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed loan agreements with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta, the capital city, to provide Japanese ODA loans of up to a total of 127.215 billion yen for two projects.
In recent years, domestic consumption and private investment have powered the economy of Indonesia, maintaining stable growth. Although the real gross domestic product had decelerated due to factors that include falling prices for natural resources that are major exports and the global economic crisis, the situation has recovered since 2013, but challenges remain that must be overcome if Indonesia is to achieve further economic growth. Inhibiting private investment, the challenges include delays in infrastructure development, inefficient goods distribution and an insufficient number of human resources for industry. Toward further economic growth, it is essential that these issues be solved and the investment environment be improved.
On the basis of the situation, the Japanese ODA loan agreements will support the following two projects in developing an international port to expand logistics functionality and enhance connectivity and strengthening a higher education institution, issues focused on in the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) of 2015–2019 issued by the Government of Indonesia.
(1) Patimban Port Development Project (I) (loan amount: 118.906 billion yen)
(2) Development of World Class University with Socio Entrepreneurial Spirit at Universitas Gadjah Mada (loan amount: 8.309 billion yen)
Concerning the first project, Patimban Port development has been declared “National Strategic Project” of Indonesia, and was agreed upon as a symbolic project of cooperation between Japan and Indonesia in talks between the countries’ leaders at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit Outreach Meeting held in May 2016.
Details for the projects are provided below.
(1) Patimban Port Development Project (I)
(a) Objective and Summary
The objective of the project is to strengthen the port logistics capacity of the Jakarta Metropolitan Area and improve the total economic activities in the region by constructing an international seaport and access roads in Patimban, which is located in the Eastern Metropolitan Area.
(b) Background and Necessity
Composed of more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia relies on marine transportation as the primary means of transportation for both international and domestic shipping, and the volume of freight handled throughout the country has risen rapidly since the mid-2000s accompanying economic growth. Due to an inadequate absolute capacity at ports, there are concerns that the flow of goods will stagnate as a result of port congestion, and in particular it is predicted that with only the existing port (Tanjung Priok Port), it will not be possible to accommodate the container demand in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area by 2025.
By constructing a new port in the Eastern Metropolitan Area (outskirts), the project will contribute to improvements in the business environment for Japanese companies with a manufacturing base in the region. Furthermore, by dispersing the freight logistics, which is currently concentrated at the existing port, congestion on port access roads will be alleviated, which is expected to make the flow of goods in the entire metropolitan area more efficient.
Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP)* apply to the Japanese ODA loan for this project, and Japanese technology, including soft ground improvement and rapid construction techniques, will be utilized at the port being constructed in the project.
(c) Executing Agency and Implementing Agency
< Executing Agency >
Directorate General of Sea Transportation, Ministry of Transportation
Address: Ministry of Transportation, Karya Building 15th Floor, Jl. Merdeka Barat No.8, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Phone: +62-21-3811308, fax: +62-21-384963
<Implementing Agency>
Directorate General of Highways, Ministry of Public Works and Housing
Address: Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Building Bina Marga, 5th Floor, Jl. Patiimura No.20, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
TEL:+62-21-7200281 FAX:+62-21-7201760
(d) Planned Implementation Schedule
1. Completion of project: December 2022 – when the facilities are put into service
2. Issuing of letters of invitation for consulting services (including detailed design work and construction supervision): November 2017
3. Tender announcement of initial procurement package for international competitive bidding on project construction: Construction Works
Release date: Under selection
4. JICA Contact Information
For further information about the procurement schedule, please contact the party
listed below.
Contact Point for Port Sector, JICA Indonesia Office
Address: Sentral Senayan, 14th Floor, Jl. Asia Africa No. 8, Jakarta 10270, Indonesia
Phone: +62-21-5795-2112, fax: +62-21-5795-2116
(2) Development of World Class University with Socio Entrepreneurial Spirit at Universitas Gadjah Mada
(a) Objective and Summary
The project will update and improve facilities needed for educational, research and industry-academia partnership activities at Universitas Gadjah Mada, improving the quality of education and promoting research and product development, thereby contributing to a higher level of industrial human resources and industrial development.
(b) Background and Necessity
Although Indonesia has achieved firm economic growth in recent years, primary products account for approximately 40 percent of exports, making maturation of high value-added industries a priority if further growth is to be attained. Although the Government of Indonesia is stimulating research and development in industry, there are not enough human resources with the knowledge and capacity needed, and improvements to higher education are essential to increase the number of highly qualified human resources who can contribute to industrial development.
The project will improve the educational, research and industry-academia partnership functions of Universitas Gadjah Mada, a top level university in Indonesia, and increase the number of students that can be accepted, which is expected to lead to a larger number of outstanding human resources entering industry, contributing to industrial development.
(c) Executing Agencies
Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education
Address: D Building, 10th Floor JI. Jendral Sudirman Pintu 1, Senayan Jakarta 10270
Phone: +62-21-5794-6100, fax: +62-21-5794-6092
Universitas Gadjah Mada
Address: Bulaksumur, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
Phone: +62-274-588774, fax: +62-274-6491900
(d) Planned Implementation Schedule
1. Completion of project: January 2022 – when the facilities are put into service
2. Issuing of letters of invitation for consulting services (including detailed design work and construction supervision): January 2018
3. Tender announcement of initial procurement package for international competitive bidding on project construction: Animal Science Learning Center, Advance Pharmaceutical Science Learning Center
Release date: October 2019
