Isle forums to stress
U.S.-Japan relations

The meetings will be
held today and Wednesday
at the East-West Center

Star-Bulletin staff

Two meetings aimed at improving U.S.-Japan relations take place beginning today at the East-West Center.

About 100 participants are expected to attend, said John Williams, public information officer for the center.

At the first meeting, called "Partnerships in Development -- Making U.S. Japan Cooperation a reality," which runs through tomorrow, non-government organization leaders from Japan, the United States and developing nations will explore how to build partnerships to promote sustainable global development.

Representatives participating in the discussion will include national and multinational aid agencies and private foundations who work in such sectors as agriculture, environment, health, population, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and education.

A new resource directory listing of non-government agencies and funding sources in Japan and the U.S. will also be unveiled at the meeting.

The second meeting, to be held Wednesday is entitled "A Framework for Future U.S./Japan Global Cooperation: The Honolulu Dialogue." The purpose of the meeting is to bring together business leaders, nongovernmental organizations, academia, government officials and community foundations to assess efforts for cooperation between the United States and Japan on global issues.

The group will also make recommendations for a new framework and activities for effective cooperation.