IIPS International Symposium

Germany–Japan–Russia: Potentials for the Future
TokyoOn October 7, 2011, the Institute for International Policy Studies (IIPS), together withJapanese-German Center Berlin (JDZB) and Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), withcooperation by The Nippon Foundation, jointly hosted an international symposium entitled“Germany–Japan–Russia: Potentials for the Future” to mark the 150th anniversary ofestablishment of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and Germany and 150
years of friendship between Japan and Germany.
This symposium included participation by Russia, an important partner to both Japanand Germany. Leaders from the three countries discussed such issues as diplomacy,
energy, natural resources, and security in terms of prospects for the future. Political leaders
and researchers from Germany and Russia were invited,and experts from relevant fields from Japan participated.
The panelists engaged in active discussion during thePublic Symposium which was attended by both theGerman Ambassador to Japan and the Russian
Ambassador to Japan, together with approximately 100
other attendees.
Dr. Friederike BOSSE of JDZB, Mr. Jörg WOLFF ofKAS, and Mr. Ken SATO of IIPS each made welcoming remarks. The first keynote speech
was given by Ambassador Moskwa BRANDENBURG and the second by Mr. TOGO
Takehiro, former Ambassador of Japan to Russia. Ambassador BRANDENBURG spoke on
the subject of Russia and Germany’s past and present and future possibilities for Russia
and Asia in his speech entitled “Russia as Strategic Partner for Europe and Asia.”
Ambassador TOGO spoke about the differences in postwar Japan-Russia relations andGermany-Russia relations in his speech “Looking North – Perspectives ofJapanese-Russian Relations.”
Session 1, titled “Relations between Germany, Japan, Russia – Strengths andWeaknesses” featured a discussion chaired by Dr. Friedbert PFLUEGER, Professor, King’s
College London with presentations by Dr. Andreas SHOCKENHOFF, Member of theGerman Parliament and discussion by Dr. Mikhail NOSOV, Deputy Director for Research,Russian Academy of Science and Ambassador TOGO. Dr. SCHOCKENHOFF gave apresentation on “Enemies becoming friends!? German-Russian consultations as aninstrument for a reliable partnership”,which was followed by remarks from each panelist
touching on Germany-Russia relations, Japan-Russia history, and discussion of underlying
issues between the two countries. Then a lively question and answer session withparticipation from the attendees was held.
Session 2, titled “Energy and Natural Resources,” chaired by Dr. KITABATA Takao,
Vice President of IIPS and formerly Parliamentary Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry, featured discussion by Dr. Joachim PFEIFFER MP, Economic Policy
Spokesman of the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group, Member of the Committee of Economicsand Technology; Dr. Mark ENTIN, Director of the European Studies Institute at the Moscow
State University of International Relation (MGIMO) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ofRussia; and Mr. OKA Motoyuki, Japan-Russia Committee, Keidanren. Dr. ENTIN gave apresentation titled “Natural resources – A controversial issue or opportunity for foreign
policy? The example of Russia and its relationship to Japan and Europe. Following that,each panelist made remarks regarding energy resources, and specifically about Russia’snatural gas resources, and how each country should cooperate for development andutilization.
Session 3, entitled “Stability in East Asia—Joint Task for Japan, Russia and Europe?,”chaired by Dr. KITAOKA Shinichi, Executive Director of Research, IIPS, and Professor,
University of Tokyo, featured a discussion by Dr. PFLUEGER, Berlin City Council Member;Dr. Georgy TOLORAYA, Regional Director, “Russkiy Mir” Foundation;ロシアからはG.TOLORAYA Project Director, Director for
Asia and Africa, “Russkiy Mir” Foundation and
KAZAMA Naoki, Member, House of Councillorsof Japan. Mr. KAZAMA gave a presentation
entitled “German-Russian Relations and East
Asia, Influence of the change of the power
balance in Europe on East Asia. Then eachpanelist made remarks regarding such subjects
as the rise of China, and the North Korea issue
which have a strong influence on East Asian
security, as well as discussing the importance ofJapan-Russia partnership. A Q&A session
followed, and there was lively discussion
between the panelists and attendees.
In the closing ceremony, Dr. Stefan

FRIEDRICH, Director Asia and the Pacific, KAS Berlin represented the hosts and gave
remarks to conclude the symposium.