Joint Appeal regarding Japan-EU Relations
Issued by the 22^nd Japan-EP Interparliamentary Conference

1. Recognising that 2001 is a memorable year for Japan-EU relations as it marks the tenth anniversary of the 1991 Japan-EC Joint Declaration, we, the Parliamentarians gathered at the 22^nd Japan-EP Interparliamentary Conference, welcome the Decade of Japan-Europe Co-operation, which started in 2001 to commemorate this special year. On this occasion, we affirm our determination to further strengthen and develop Japan-EU ties.
   
   
2. The 22^nd Japan-EP Interparliamentary Conference expresses its high expectations for the new political document and action plan regarding Japan-EU co-operation, the drafting of which is now underway after the project was agreed on at the 9th Japan-EU Summit held in July 2000. Aware that this year’s Japan-EU Summit is charged with the important task of adopting these new Japan-EU documents, the Conference confirms that it will urge, via its respective Parliaments, the government of Japan and the EU Council and Commission to hold the 10^th Japan-EU Summit within the year 2001.
   
   
3. Recognises that the world today is faced with new threats to humanity, such as terrorism and a possible world-wide recession; that long-term problems include a growing North-South gap with hundreds of million people starving and increasing dangers for the global environment, in particular climatic change; stresses that the terrorist attack on 11 September was an unpardonable attack on all humanity and confirms its determination to take a resolute stance against international terrorism; Japan and the EU must work together to eradicate terrorism from the international community.
   
   
4. To overcome this international crisis, Japan-EU cooperation must focus on eliminating the roots of the problem, and must strive in particular to strengthen the UN and judicial functions at an international level. International relations have to be based on the respect of cultural diversity and the spirit of tolerance. We offer to take the initiative as catalysts for Japan and the EU to promote dialogue among the cultures of the world.
   
   
5. Points to the fact that both Japan and the EU aim at strengthening their economies and at achieving more dynamic and knowledge-based growth; we confirm therefore that a strong trade relationship, open markets and mutual encouragement of investment will help both Japan and the EU against the risks of global recession; that a successful launching of the WTO round will crucially contribute to overcome these problems.
   
   
6. In conclusion, by continuing and expanding dialogue and exchange on the parliamentarian level between Japan and the EU through this annual Conference and various other gatherings, we are determined to raise parliamentarian and citizen interest in Japan-EU relations and to contribute to the further advancement of Japan-EU relations, including the promotion of human and cultural exchange.