Taoiseach to meet with Japan's Prime Minister Aso

The Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D., will today attend a number of engagements in Tokyo as part of his continuing visit to Japan.  The Taoiseach is accompanied on the visit by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Mr. Brendan Smith, T.D. and the Minister of State for Trade and Commerce, Mr. John McGuinness, T.D.

In the morning, the Taoiseach will address the 3 ^rd annual Irish Funds Industry Association (IFIA) symposium on the fund management industry.   The IFIA is the representative body of the firms involved in the international fund services industry in Ireland.  The event will explore ways by which the Japanese and Irish investment funds industries can strengthen and further develop existing business links.

The Taoiseach will then deliver a keynote foreign policy speech at the prestigious Keio University in Tokyo.   Founded in 1858, Keio University celebrated its 150 ^th  Anniversary last year.  The University is considered to be Japan’s most prestigious private university and is the alma mater of former Prime Minister Koizumi and current Foreign Minster Nakasone.

Later in the evening, the Taoiseach will meet with Prime Minister Taro Aso of Japan to discuss a number of bilateral and international issues.  These talks will continue over a working dinner hosted by Prime Minister Aso at his residence.

ENDS

Thursday 15 January 2009