B.E. TOKYO.
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international community for their economic assistance and recognised their obligation to ensure the peace and prosperity of Cambodia. It was important to continue to support democratic development in Cambodia, even though the possibility of further disturbances could not be excluded. The Constitution would be formally approved by the Constituent Assembly on 21 September. This was a notable achievement for the UN and for those countries which had been involved in UNTAC. Japan considered it important to continue to contribute to the economic reconstruction of Cambodia and would be hosting another ICORC in March 1994. Japan. hoped to receive support from the UK. The Prime Minister said that this was very encouraging news. He was most grateful for Mr Hata's briefing.
Britain and Asia
4. The Prime Minister said that he would like to reciprocate by explaining the background to the new emphasis being given to Asia in British foreign policy, which had been one of the main themes of his lunchtime speech. Sir J Coles said that we had taken note of two obvious trends: the remarkable economic success of the region and improved prospects for British firms; and the shift of political weight to Asia in world terms. We were not of course discovering Asia for the first time. We had had a long historical connection with the region, witnessed by our presence in Hong Kong, our involvement in the FPDA etc. Many of our firms had been in the region for hundreds of years. We were therefore building on a traditional association with the area. But we had decided that a new British effort was needed: we would be looking for an enhanced political dialogue with key countries in the area; We were making an increased effort to support our firms; and we were increasing our intellectual exchanges with Asia. At the heart of this policy was our strategic partnership with Japan, which covered the whole spectrum of our relations. The Foreign Secretary and Mr Hata's predecessor had agreed in April to extend the dialogue. Since then we had had extensive exchanges, unmatched by any other country outside the United States or Europe. The Prime Minister said that there had been a decisive, clearly considered shift in British foreign policy, which was now being implemented. Mr Hata said that he was very glad that the UK was showing new interest in Asia. Having just returned from Thailand as well as Cambodia, he was conscious of the depth of UK interest in Burma.
Hong Kong
He
5. With the Ambassador's encouragement, he had helped to establish the Hong Kong/Japan Parliamentary League. He took every opportunity to remind the Chinese that a smooth transition was extremely important for the future of Hong Kong. Otherwise there would be a massive exodus. He understood that the Foreign Secretary would be meeting Qian Qichen in the margins of UNGA. hoped that this dialogue would lead to a successful outcome. The Prime Minister said that we were very grateful for Japan's support over Hong Kong. The talks with China were progressing slowly. It was important that the Chinese heard the views of influential and powerful nations like Japan.
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