UK-Japan 21st Century Group
The 23rd annual meeting of the UK-Japan 21st Century Group was held in Tokyo on February 8–10, 2007 under the joint chairmanship of Yasuhisa Shiozaki (member, House of Representatives and Chief Cabinet Secretary), and Jack Cunningham (member, House of Commons). Thirty-six leaders from the two countries discussed a number of domestic and global issues where closer bilateral cooperation could be especially effective, ranging from global security challenges to climate change. The UK group members met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who stressed the importance of further deepening of UK-Japan cooperation.
Agenda
Thursday, February 8 |
Session I: Domestic and Foreign Policy Priorities of Japan Yukio Satoh, President, Japan Institute International Affairs Fumihiko Yoshida, Editorial Writer, Asahi Shimbun Yasuhisa Shiozaki, Chief Cabinet Secretary Lord Cunningham, House of Lords |
Friday, February 9 |
Session II: Domestic and Foreign Policy Priorities of the UK Jennifer Borden (International Development), former International Director, Christian Aid Mike Gapes, Chairman, Foreign Affairs Select Committee, House of Commons |
Session III: Global Security: The Challenges facing the UK and Japan JapanMasashi Nishihara, President, Research Institute for Peace and Security UKMichael Clarke, Director, International Policy Institute, Kings College, London |
| Meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe |
Reception hosted by Takeshi Iwaya, Senior Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs |
Saturday, February 10 |
Session IV: Emerging East Asia and corporate responses of UK and Japan – Cooperation or competition? JapanYukari Takamura, Professor, Ryukoku University UKLord Woolmer, House of Lords |
Dinner hosted by British Ambassador Sir Graham Fry |