French President Jacques Chirac said Monday he is confident that the economic stimulus measures Japan announced last week will boost the economy, adding that the nation's economic fundamentals are strong.
Chirac made the remarks during a meeting with Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto, who explained details of Japan's pump-priming steps, according to Foreign Ministry officials.
Chirac said it is important for the international community to express its confidence in the Japanese economy, the officials said. Chirac's stance is apparently in sharp contrast with that of the United States government, which welcomed Japan's measures but called for further action.