Brussels, 19/02/2002 (Agence Europe) - The visit of the President of the European Commission, scheduled for the end of this week in Tokyo, has been cancelled at the request of the Japanese Prime Minister. Sources in Brussels on Tuesday indicated that it could be rearranged for another date before the Summer. Mr Koizumi explained that the cancellation was due to the visit of Romano Prodi and USA President, being programmed at the same time. George W. Bush who is currently on a visit to Japan, as part of his six week tour of Asia, described his Japanese counterpart as a "great reformer" despite the wave of criticism in which Mr Koizumi is engulfed. The latter has given strong support to Mr Bush following the US President's denunciation of Iran, Iraq and North Korea as the "axis of evil". Mr Koizumi said that, "The axis of evil statement was an expression by Bush of the United States' resolute determination against terrorism. He also added, "And I feel that Bush was very cool and prudent concerning Iraq, Iran and North Korea". When asked about critical comments coming from top officials in France and the European Union, Mr Bush responded, "People say things, but the leaders fully understand exactly what needs to happen. They understand that our commitment is not just in Afghanistan, that history has given us a unique opportunity to defend freedom. And we are going to seize the moment and do it. And I am confident nations will come with us."