| Japan's "Eurasian Diplomacy" |
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... a new concept in Japan's foreign policy was announced by Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto in July-"Eurasian diplomacy." This concept is based on recognition of the need to greatly expand the horizons of Japan's foreign policy by introducing "Eurasian diplomacy from a Pacific perspective," as befits a country at the far eastern reaches of the Eurasian continent. (By contrast, Europe's moves toward developing a new economic and security order around the EU and NATO have been characterized by "Eurasian diplomacy from an Atlantic perspective.") Eurasian diplomacy will add new dynamism, as well, in terms of building closer ties with countries such as China, the Republic of Korea and Russia, and improving relations with North Korea. It will also be important as a basis for working toward stronger relations with the countries along the Silk Road, which have been attracting attention since the end of the Cold War both for their geopolitical importance and their potential in terms of energy supply.
... The Prime Minister's speech to the Japan Committee for Economic Development in July emphasized the importance of the Silk Road region in "Eurasian diplomacy." Given this importance, Japan worked to develop bilateral ties with the New Independent States, including support for their reform efforts. In May, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister was invited to Japan for talks with his Japanese counterpart. In terms of ties with Central Asian countries, dialogue was deepened through, for example, a mission dispatched in July under the leadership of House of Representatives member Keizo Obuchi and a visit by Director-General of the Economic Planning Agency Taro Aso. In December, a seminar on a comprehensive strategy for Central Asia was held in Tokyo, with eminent persons invited from five Central Asian countries and countries outside the region, and with participants engaging in a frank exchange of views on the future of the Central Asian region.