Analytical Studies
G7/8 Summits • G7 Tokyo Summit
Tokyo Declaration: Looking Forward to a Better Future
Tokyo, May 5, 1986
- We, the Heads of State or Government of seven major
industrial nations and the representatives of the European Community,
with roots deep in the civilizations of Europe and Asia, have
seized the opportunity of our meeting at Tokyo to raise our sights
not just to the rest of this century but into the next as well.
We face the future with confidence and determination, sharing
common principles and objectives and mindful of our strengths.
- Our shared principles and objectives, reaffirmed at past
Summits, are bearing fruit. Nations surrounding the Pacific are
thriving dynamically through free exchange, building on their
rich and varied heritages. The countries of Western Europe, the
Community members in particular, are flourishing by raising their
cooperation to new levels. The countries of North America, enriched
by European and Asian cultures alike, are firm in their commitment
to the realization in freedom of human potential. Throughout
the world we see the powerful appeal of democracy and growing
recognition that personal initiative, individual creativity and
social justice are main sources of progress. More than ever we
have all to join our energies in the search for a safer and healthier,
more civilized and prosperous, free and peaceful world. We believe
that close partnership of Japan, North America and Europe will
make a significant contribution toward this end.
- We reaffirm our common dedication to preserving and strengthening
peace, and as part of that effort, to building a more stable and
constructive relationship between East and West. Each of us is
ready to engage in cooperation in fields of common interest.
Within existing alliances, each of us is resolved to maintain
a strong and credible defense that can protect freedom and deter
aggression, while not threatening the security of others. We
know that peace cannot be safeguarded by military strength alone.
Each of us is committed to addressing EastWest differences through
highlevel dialogue and negotiation. To that end, each of us supports
balanced, substantial and verifiable reductions in the level of
arms; measures to increase confidence and reduce the risks of
conflicts; and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Recalling
the agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union to
accelerate work at Geneva, we appreciate the United States' negotiating
efforts and call on the Soviet Union also to negotiate positively.
In addition to these efforts, we shall work for improved respect
for the rights of individuals throughout the world.
- We proclaim our conviction that in today's world, characterized
by ever increasing interdependence, our countries cannot enjoy
lasting stability and prosperity without stability and prosperity
in the developing world and without the cooperation among us which
can achieve these aims. We pledge ourselves afresh to fight against
hunger, disease and poverty, so that developing nations can also
play a full part in building a common, bright future.
- We owe it to future generations to pass on a healthy
environment and a culture rich in both spiritual and material
values. We are resolved to pursue effective international action
to eliminate the abuse of drugs. We proclaim our commitment to
work together for a world which respects human beings in the diversity
of their talents, beliefs, cultures and traditions. In such a
world based upon peace, freedom and democracy, the ideals of social
justice can be realized and employment opportunities can be available
for all. We must harness wisely the potential of science and
technology, and enhance the benefits through cooperation and exchange.
We have a solemn responsibility so to educate the next generation
as to endow them with the creativity befitting the twenty-first
century and to convey to them the value of living in freedom and
dignity.
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Source: U.S., Department of State, Bulletin,
No. 2112 (July 1986): 3-4; Economic Summits, 1975-1986:
Declarations (Rome: Istituto Affari Internazionali, 1987):
146-48; Great Britain, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Political
Declarations and Statements of Annual Economic Summits, 1978-1986
(London, 198-) [unpublished]; Embassy of Japan, Ottawa, Canada.
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