G-8 : Noda left Washington for Japan

 Group of Eight summit opened in Camp David, outside Washington, on Friday.The leaders met over dinner and discussed such issues as Iran, Syria, and North Korea on the first day of their 2-day summit.Yoshihiko Noda left Washington for Japan on Saturday night after attending the Group of 8 summit in the US presidential retreat at Camp David.During the meeting, Noda pledged Japan's involvement in addressing Europe's credit crisis. He also cited his determination to enact the consumption tax hike bill during the current Diet session to rebuild Japan's finances and achieve economic growth.

A statement on the global economy was issued on Saturday, from the G8 summit at Camp David in the United States.In the statement, the leaders stressed the importance of a strong and cohesive Eurozone for global stability and recovery. They called on Greece to remain in the group, while respecting its commitments.

G8 leaders also discussed and expressed concern over Iran's continued uranium enrichment activities. They agreed on the importance of pursuing a diplomatic solution to the issue through an approach of both dialogue and pressure.The leaders agreed to renew their effort to press Syria to end violence immediately and move on the path toward democracy.The leaders are expected to focus their discussions on the Greek debt crisis during their 2nd-day session.