TURKEY/JAPAN: PM KOIZUMI'S MAKES LONG-AWAITED

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ANKARA 000284

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/26/2016
TAGS: PREL ECON JA TU
SUBJECT: TURKEY/JAPAN: PM KOIZUMI'S MAKES LONG-AWAITED
VISIT TO TURKEY

Classified By: Political Counselor Janice G. Weiner for reasons 1.4 (b,
d).

--------------
Summary
--------------


1. (C) Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi paid a four-day
official visit to Ankara and Istanbul January 9-12, the first
by a Japanese head of government since 1990. While the visit
was largely symbolic, the two sides discussed common
approaches to the Iran nuclear issue, Iraq reconstruction,
and the Middle East Peace Process. The GOT asked for
Japanese support on Cyprus, brought up the reported presence
of PKK in Japan, and complained about the growing trade
imbalance in Japan's favor. While in Istanbul, Koizumi
visited the Japanese-funded Bosphorus tunnel now under
construction and other Japanese investments. End summary.

--------------
Regional Issues
--------------


2. (C) According to Turkish MFA and Japanese embassy
sources, the two sides were in general agreement concerning
Iran, Iraq, Syria/Lebanon and the Middle East Peace Process.
Both agreed on the need to coax Iran back into a dialogue on
its nuclear activities with the IAEA and EU-3. (Comment.
The visit occurred as it was becoming clear that the EU-3
initiative was dead. End comment). According to the
Japanese embassy, Koizumi asked the GOT to use its influence
with Iran in this direction. On Syria, the two sides agreed
Damascus should cooperate fully with the UNIIIC
investigation. Japanese and Turkish officials also mooted
the possibility of joint reconstruction projects in Iraq.
The GOT asked Japan to consider providing equipment for a
Baghdad hospital that Turkey intends to rebuild; Koizumi
agreed to look into joint projects that take advantage of
Turkey's proximity and expertise.


3. (C) Turning to the Middle East, Turkish officials briefed
Koizumi on the agreement FM Gul signed with Israel and the
Palestinian Authority on January 4 whereby a Turkish
consortium would revive and manage the Erez Industrial Zone
in Gaza (septel). Turkey reportedly asked Japan to consider
"moral and financial support" to the Erez project in the
context of existing Japanese reconstruction projects in Gaza.
With both sides enjoying good relations with Israel and the
Palestinians, they agreed to consult further on ways to
contribute to MEPP.

--------------
PKK in Japan
--------------


4. (C) MFA Japan Section Chief Erdem Mutaf told us Prime
Minister Erdogan raised with Koizumi the reported presence of
representatives of the Kurdish terrorist organization PKK
(also known as KADEK or Kongra-Gel) in Japan, reminding
Koizumi that the PKK is internationally listed as a terrorist
organization. Koizumi reportedly agreed to investigate the
PKK presence in Japan further with a view to consulting with
Turkey more extensively in the coming months.

--------------
Cyprus
--------------


5. (C) Turkish officials asked for Japanese support for
Turkey's position on Cyprus, suggesting that Koizumi was
briefed to some extent on the GOT's latest proposals,
submitted to UN Secretary General Annan, to break the Cyprus
deadlock. MFA and Japanese embassy sources both told us
Koizumi was non-committal, noting that Japan does not
"embargo" the TRNC and remains supportive of UN efforts to
resolve the Cyprus dispute.

--------------
Trade and Investment Issues
--------------


6. (C) Turkish officials also raised their concerns about
the growing trade imbalance in Japan's favor. Tourism
officials from both sides discussed attracting additional
Japanese tourists to Turkey and the possibility of additional
Turkish Airlines flights to Japan as ways to address this
imbalance. While in Istanbul, Koizumi visited the Bosphorus
tunnel currently under construction in which Japan is
investing over USD 1 billion, as well as the already
completed second Bosphorus bridge, representing over USD 500
million in Japanese investment.

--------------
Comment
--------------


7. (C) The fact that Turkish officials were eager to
receive Koizumi during the Muslim Sacrifice Feast (Kurban
Bayrami),the only time Koizumi could fit the visit on his
schedule, is ample indication of the value Ankara places on
the relationship with Japan. Officials noted this was only
the second visit by a Japanese Prime Minister in the 115
years the two countries have enjoyed diplomatic relations.
End Comment.
WILSON