Policy Speech by Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso
to the 166th Session of the Diet

Embassy of Japan
January 29, 2007

On January 26, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso delivered a policy speech to a plenary session of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors after the opening ceremony of the 166 th Session of the Diet.

At the beginning of the speech, Foreign Minister Aso stated that Japan’s diplomacy has gained a new pillar of “Arc of Freedom and Prosperity,” in addition to three pillars of Japan’s post-World War II diplomatic policy, namely the Japan-U.S. alliance, international cooperation, and taking our neighboring Asian nations seriously. He explained that Japan wishes to do its part to create a prosperous and stable region where such universal values as democracy, respect for basic human rights, market economy and the rule of law, take root.

Foreign Minister Aso then outlined Japan ’s diplomatic policy, including Japan-U.S. Alliance for Asia and the World, strengthening relations with neighboring countries and other regions, meeting challenges facing the international community, strengthening the free trade regime and the international economic system, and strategic implementation of Official Development Assistance (ODA).

In concluding his speech, Foreign Minister Aso reiterated his promise of proactive diplomacy, and committed to continuing the endeavor to enhance Japan ’s diplomatic might.

The transcript of the entire speech is available at:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/u_news/2/20070127_001047.html

[Related links]

* Policy Speech by Prime Minister Abe to the 166 th Session of the Diet ( January 26, 2007 )

http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/abephoto/2007/01/26shisei_e.html

* Speech by Foreign Minister Aso "Arc of Freedom and Prosperity: Japan 's Expanding Diplomatic Horizons" (November 30, 2006)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/fm/aso/speech0611.html