(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Hirofumi Nakasone

Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 9:54 a.m.
Place: In front of the Ministers' Room in the House

Main topics:

Opening Statements
- (1) Holding of Event "Talk with Foreign Minister Nakasone in Kanazawa"
- (2) Second Meeting of the "International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament"
Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone's Visit to the Republic of Korea
Visit to Japan by Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States
Japan-Russia Relations

1. Opening Statements

(1) Holding of Event "Talk with Foreign Minister Nakasone in Kanazawa"

Minister:
From 2:00 p.m. on March 15, 2009, an event called "Talk with Foreign Minister Nakasone in Kanazawa" will be held. Such an event was also held last year under former Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura, and it provides an opportunity for me to explain to the people about Japan's foreign policy from my position as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and hear their opinions in return.

(2) Second Meeting of the "International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament"

Minister:
On February 14 and 15, 2009, the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament will convene in Washington D.C., co-chaired by former Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi. This is the second meeting of the commission since its establishment was announced in New York in the autumn last year, and the third and fourth meetings are scheduled to be held in Russia and Hiroshima, respectively. The ultimate aim of the commission and the reason for its establishment is to make specific recommendations on how we can make the world a place free of nuclear weapons.

Related Information (Press Release)

2. Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakasone's Visit to the Republic of Korea

Question:
Tomorrow there will be a meeting between the foreign ministers of Japan and the Republic of Korea. What themes are you expecting will be brought up for discussion?

Minister:
I would like to discuss a number of issues, one of them being to follow-up on the talks held between Prime Minister Taro Aso and President Lee Myung-Bak last month. We will also be discussing various issues regarding the international community.

Question:
The issue of whether or not Ms. Kim Hyon-Hi will meet with the family of Ms. Yaeko Taguchi is attracting media attention. Will you be exchanging opinions on such themes with your counterpart?

Minister:
We have been making efforts in that regard from before, and we will continue with such efforts.

Question:
Will you be touching upon items pertaining to this theme in your talks with the foreign minister of the Republic of Korea?

Minister:
The specific content of the talks is currently being coordinated.

3. Visit to Japan by Mrs. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States

Question:
We hear that arrangements are being made for Secretary of State Clinton to meet with the families of the abduction victims on her visit to Japan. Could you tell us about the outlook for such a meeting?

Minister:
Although we proposed the plan to the U.S., whether a meeting can be realized in the short period during which Secretary of State Clinton will be in Japan will be left to the judgment of the US side, and therefore I do not know any more at the present time.

4. Japan-Russia Relations

Question:
On the issue of the four-island non-visa exchange program, do you hope to reach any conclusions in time for the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting scheduled to be held on February 18, 2009?

Minister:
This issue involves multifaceted exchange, including assistance with humanitarian supplies and visits to graves on the islands, and it is our position that we will continue to make efforts to ensure that these activities can continue as they have done in the past without hindrance. An early resolution to the issue would be preferable.

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