Steinmeier in Kyoto for the G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting
Over two days, the Foreign Ministers of the eight major industrial nations (US, Russia, UK, France, Italy, Canada, Germany and Japan) discussed current international issues. Support for Afghanistan as well as for North Corea were main issues at the meeting. The Foreign Ministers also prepared the foreign-policy agenda for the forthcoming G8 Summit of Heads of State and Government in Hokkaido.
Cross-border cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan
The main issue at the meeting will be Afghanistan and relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. As G8 Presidency last year, Germany launched an initiative to give fresh impetus to cross-border cooperation between the two countries. A successful relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan is crucial for security and stability in the region.
Only by acting together can the two countries successfully combat terrorism in the almost inaccessible mountainous border regions. It is also hoped that thriving Pakistan-Afghan economic exchange and trade will create jobs and bring prosperity on both sides of the border. Since the G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Potsdam in May 2007, the G8 countries have initiated more than 160 projects on border management, the return of refugees, economic promotion in the border regions and the development of civil-society contacts.
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Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons
In addition, Japan in particular will wish to focus especially on North Korea. The G8 has long been committed to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. This is also a subject which Japan has been intensively pursuing for many years.
Other focal points in the discussions are likely to be Iran, Myanmar, Zimbabwe and the situation in the Middle East. In this connection Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier will report on the successful Conference in Support of Palestinian Civil Security and the Rule of Law held in Berlin on 24 June.
The Foreign Ministers will also draw up the foreign-policy agenda for the forthcoming G8 Summit of Heads of State and Government, which is to be held in Hokkaido from 7 to 9 July.
Conference venue: Kyoto
This year the G8 Foreign Ministers are meeting in the former Japanese capital Kyoto, which for a long time was the country's political, cultural and economic centre. Even today the city, with its 2.6 million inhabitants, is one of Japan's main scientific and academic centres, home to the renowned Kyoto University and Kansai Science City.
Japan last held the G8 Presidency in 2000. The Foreign Ministers Meeting that year took place in Miyazaki.
Last updated 26.06.2008