Diplomatic Bluebook 2007

Executive Summary

Embassy of Japan

March 28, 2007

Diplomatic Bluebook 2007 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has been officially released, after having been reported to the Cabinet meeting of March 27, 2007.

The Bluebook, which has been issued annually since 1957 and reached its 50th issue this year, describes the Japanese government's diplomatic activities and related international developments over the past year (January to December 2006). It also touches on a limited number of major events occurring after January 2007.

Highlights of the 2007 edition include an overview of the "Arc of Freedom and Prosperity," a new pillar of Japanese diplomacy that was announced by Foreign Minister Taro Aso in November 2006. Also, the section "International Developments and Japanese Diplomacy in 2006" covers events and developments related to the North Korea abduction issue, missile launches, and nuclear test as well as Japan's relationship with neighboring countries such as China and the Republic of Korea. In addition, this section overviews Japan's efforts, as a responsible member of the international community, with regard to the Middle East, notably Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran.

The full text of the 2007 edition will be released in early May 2007.

The executive summary of Diplomatic Bluebook 2007 is available at:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2007/summary.pdf (PDF)

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/2007/summary.txt (text version)

[Related links]

* Speech by Foreign Minister Aso, “Arc of Freedom and Prosperity: Japan ’s Expanding Diplomatic Horizons”

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

* Past Diplomatic Bluebooks

http://www.mofa.go.jp/policy/other/bluebook/index.html