Posted on 06/29/2006 7:04:32 PM PDT by snowsislander
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is in the United States as part of a farewell tour of North America.
His summit meeting with President George W Bush is intended to highlight the close relationships he has built up over the past five years.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, this will be the last time the two leaders will meet in the US before Mr Koizumi steps down as leader in September.
And it is a chance for the American leader to say goodbye to his good friend.
From across the political spectrum, Mr Koizumi is widely seen in the United States as a transformational world leader
Kurt Campbell, Senior VP, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said: "One of the most important catalysts in modern history for how Japan is changing - both in terms of how it sees itself and how it sees the world - is Koizumi."
This is a view clearly shared in the White House.
But there's also a strong personal relationship between Prime Minister and President as well.
It is no secret the two men have forged a close relationship over the years.
Mr Bush constantly refers to Japan as one of the United States' closest allies, and Mr Koizumi as one of his closest friends on the world stage.
Michael Green, Advisor on Asian Affairs, National Security Council, said: "Prime Minister Koizumi came into office and he promised to do a series of things and he did all of them. I think one of the reasons President Bush is particularly fond of Koizumi is not just his flair and his colour but he says what he's going to do and he says what he can't do and he does what he says he's going to do. He said he was going to strengthen the US-Japan alliance and he did."
The two have met regularly over the past 5 years; the relationship solidified when Mr Koizumi was one of the first world leaders to appear in New York after the September 11th attacks.
When he arrived in Washington, President Bush expressed his personal gratitude.
Mr Bush said: "I am really pleased and honoured that my personal friend and a friend of the United States has come all the way from Japan to express his solidarity with the American people in our joint battle against terrorism."
Mr Green said: "Most world leaders, as you'd expect, expressed great sympathy, promised to cooperate with the United States. Koizumi was one of a small handful of world leaders who, on his own, decided and said to the President : 'This is a war on terror. This is not a law enforcement action. This is not a natural disaster. This is a war on terror of epic proportions'. And this was very much how Koizumi himself conveyed his thinking about this to the President. And he said 'You must prevail and Japan will help.'"
Since then, the two leaders have worked together on a range of issues: from the threat of international terrorism, to the state of the global economy to resolving the crisis in North Korea.
In 2002, just months after George Bush labelled North Korea part of an "axis of evil", Japan's Prime Minister met North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in person.
Efforts to diffuse the crisis continue to this day, but that visit served as an example of Japan and the United States playing different roles but with the same goal in resolving international challenges.
Because of the friendship between the two leaders, most political analysts agree that US Japanese relations are now on far sounder footing than they were just six years ago.
Whoever takes over as Japan's next prime minister will begin with a strong partner in Washington.
Not only will Prime Minister Koizumi be honoured with a full state banquet in his honour, but on this last trip, Mr Bush wanted to do something to thank his friend for all they've achieved together.
Mr Koizumi is one of the world's most famous Elvis Presley fans.
And so, once the formalities of this final visit have been completed, the US president is personally taking his friend to Graceland. - CNA/ch
Mr Green said: "Most world leaders, as you'd expect, expressed great sympathy, promised to cooperate with the United States. Koizumi was one of a small handful of world leaders who, on his own, decided and said to the President : 'This is a war on terror. This is not a law enforcement action. This is not a natural disaster. This is a war on terror of epic proportions'. And this was very much how Koizumi himself conveyed his thinking about this to the President. And he said 'You must prevail and Japan will help.'"
My emphasis added in the article. I had not seen this statement by Prime Minister Koizumi mentioned before Mr. Green's account. Since Mr. Green is a member of the NSC, I assume that he has it from the very best sources.
Singing Japan PM tours Graceland [Elvis-themed visit with Tony Snow in Elvis-like sunglasses.]
Bush, Koizumi Bond over Elvis at Graceland Tour
After Graceland, it's Rendezvous for Bush, guests
A Day in the Life of President Bush (photos): 6.29.06
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