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Japan, U.S. to expand work on global issues

TOKYO: Japan and the United States said on Wednesday they would expand their cooperation on global issues, including the fights against food shortages, terrorism, infectious diseases and natural disasters.

In a joint statement on their "Common Agenda" programme first announced in July 1993, the countries added six areas of cooperation, which included technological education and work to help develop democracy in other countries.

The statement was issued on Wednesday after U.S. President Bill Clinton held a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto in Tokyo.

Existing goals in the agenda include cooperation in environmental protection, and efforts to eradicate polio and stop international trafficking in illegal drugs.

In the new initiatives, Japan and the United States said they would work together to:

-- improve global efforts to prevent and control the spread of re-emerging diseases such as tuberculosis. A first meeting of experts from both countries will be held in July in Kyoto.

-- strengthen international networks for exchanging early warning data on natural disasters. Both governments will hold an earthquake symposium later this year to bring together scientists and government officials to improve preventive and rescue measures.

-- help countries explore ways to boost democracy and strengthen their judicial systems.

-- strengthen cooperation in promoting counter-terrorism, including preparations for an experts' meeting on biological and chemical terrorism.

-- consider collaboration in areas such as science and research to expand food production and the promotion of sustainable agricultural development.

-- explore ways of harnessing the potential of computers and other advanced technology for use in education.-Reuter