NATO HQ Brussels 4 May 2006

Statement by H.E. Mr Taro Aso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan at the meeting with the North Atlantic Council Mr TARO ASO (Foreign Minister of Japan): Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer, distinguished representatives of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, thank you for your warm welcome, especially with the cherry blossom colour from America. Thank you very much. (LAUGHTER) I have been looking forward to speaking to you because I am here to convey to you that Japan intends to work more closely with NATO. Mr. Secretary General, your recent remarks said that later this year, when NATO's leaders meet you will be discussing building closer ties with non-member nations, such as Japan. I concur with your remark and feel that now is the time for such discussions.