During the first think-tank meeting between the two countries, security issues, terrorism, energy and relations between Turkey and Japan were discussed.

At the beginning of the Roundtable, it was pointed out that the world had changed a lot after 9/11 attacks and that Turkey and Japan were in similar position with respect to growing threats. Whether it was possible to talk of an international order, whether there was a multipliar world  were the question addressed. Also, it was said that after the Cold War the expectations had not materialized.

On security issues, Turkey’s and Japan’s neighbourhoods were  scrutinized. Conflicts in the Middle East, Caucasia, Black Sea region and Central Asia were adressed. It was pointed out that the conflicts in the Middle East were interrelated. The question of Turkey’s reaction to PKK terrorism also came up.On Turkish Foreign and Security Policy, it was explained that the transformation  could be called a mixture of neo-realism and liberalism.The examples of this policy in the region surrounding Turkey were also given. Japan’s neighbourhood was explained, mainly through developments in the ASEAN. Japan-China disputes were also mentioned. There appeared a convergence of views between the two delegation with respect to growing threats in the world.

Terrorism has been the subject of another panel discussion. The basic characteristics of terrorisms, the potential in Turkey’s neighboorhood, particulary the Middle East, was explained in detail. Worldwide terrorism also affected Turkey, since all terrorist organisations had their international connections. And Turkey had to learn to deal with it in a wholistic manner.The causes of the rise of radical islamic movements in the Arab World was also taken up with a look into the nature of their formation.

Energy was taken up to highlight the situation of Turkey. Particular emphasis was given to the potential in the Caucasus, Central Asia and Middle East. The interest of  Japan in the area was also highlighted. The participation of the representative of the INPEX Corporation has brought a practical dimension to the discussion. During the debate, information on the energy situtation in the world,  as well as in the region, in Japan and in Turkey was furnished. The emerging picture was that Turkey was an energy transit hub with oil and gas pipelines criss-crossing the country.  European Union’s energy policy was also

taken up. Nuclear development and non-proliferation issues were discussed, particularly with respect to the activities of certain countries. Attention was drawn to the danger facing the non- proliferation system.

Relations between the two countries was an important part the Round Table. There was a general agreement that the two countries should foster their cooperation to face the challenges of the world, particularly when the international scene was still evolving. Economic exchange was of paramount importance.In this field the Turkish side pointed out to the trade imbalance between the two countries as well as to the insufficient direct involment by Japanese firms in Turkey.There was a discussion on measures to remedy the situation. The representative of Mitsubishi Company gave useful information in this field.

Cultural exchange was a major supporting factor in the relationship. The present level of cultural relations, tourism and exchange programmes was quiet advanced, but the participants from both sides expressed their desire to see these activities to be further developed. The information provided by the President of the Japan-Turkish Foundation particulary concerning future projects was received with enthusiasm.