On July 1, Denmark assumed the presidency of the European Union. Today, together with European Commission President Romano Prodi, I will meet Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in Tokyo at the 11th EU-Japan Summit. This summit, which has taken place annually since 1991, is an important occasion for promoting EU-Japan cooperation and sharing views in a wide range of areas. It is no coincidence that I travel to Japan at the very beginning of the Danish EU presidency. It is a testimony not only to the growing importance of European relations with Asia and Japan but also to the priority the Danish EU presidency will place on external relations and global responsibilities. In September, Denmark will host the Fourth Europe-Asia Meeting, or ASEM 4, in Copenhagen.

EU-Japan relations are excellent. We have a flourishing trade; investments both ways are important; and exchanges on the cultural front continue to rise.

EU-Japan cooperation in the political field has also strengthened significantly over the past couple of years. We can further develop and enhance our cooperation. We must continue to explore ways to strengthen the EU-Japan partnership.