Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > March 2, 2012

(* 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 Koichiro Gemba

Date: Friday, March 2, 2012, 9:26 a.m.
Place: In front of Minister’s Reception Room

Main topics:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • (1) Visit to Japan by Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand
  2. Japan-China-Korea Foreign Ministerial and Summit Meetings
  3. Nagoya Mayor Kawamura’s Remark on Nanjing Incident
  4. Organizational Change of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  5. Japan-China-Korea Investment Agreement
  6. Domestic Political Situation (Omitted)

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Visit to Japan by Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of Thailand will pay an official working visit to Japan from Tuesday, March 6 to Friday, March 9. Prime Minister Yinglack will hold talks with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. As Thailand suffered from damage from a flood, we would like to confirm the bond of friendship between the two countries which will overcome the difficulties together, before the one year period since the Great East Japan Earthquake. We expect that her visit will further enhance the relationship between Japan and Thailand.

2. Japan-China-Korea Foreign Ministerial and Summit Meetings

Takeuchi, TBS: I have been informed that arrangements are being made for holding Japan-China-Korea Foreign Ministerial and Summit Meetings. Could you tell us if this is a fact, and if so, what do you expect from these meetings?

Minister Gemba: We are making various arrangements but have not finalized any plans yet. As such, we are not at the stage where we can tell you about the agenda of the meetings.
On the other hand, I think we have been able to achieve a major progress in the works we have been doing all nightlong to this morning for the Japan-China-Korea Investment Agreement. Since this agreement will serve as a forerunner of FTA between Japan, China and the Republic of Korea, we would like to do our utmost to coordinate it at the earliest possible time.

3. Nagoya Mayor Kawamura’s Remark on Nanjing Incident

Iwata, Tokyo Shimbun: The remark made by Nagoya Mayor Kawamura that the Nanjing Massacre did not take place has caused a stir, leading to the cancellation of a friendship event scheduled to be held between Nagoya and Nanjing. Furthermore, an event which was to be sponsored by the consulate general in Shanghai was also postponed. What is your view of the situation in the wake of this development? Also, Prime Minister suggested that this is the matter that should better be solved between Nagoya and Nanjing. Do you think that this matter should be left to be solved between the two local governments?

Minister Gemba: In principle, I think this is a matter that should be dealt with between the local governments. You mentioned the postponement of the event, but that was a decision made by our consulate general in Shanghai as well as by if I recall correctly, Nanjing Friendship Association of the Nanjing City, and I think they have made this decision by taking into consideration various elements so that the event can be held at a better timing. As such, I think we must discuss this issue from various aspects so that the event can be held in a manner befitting the 40th anniversary. It is my understanding that the standpoint of the Japanese government has already been stated publicly by the Chief Cabinet Secretary.

4. Organizational Change of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Shimada, NHK: About the organizational change of your ministry, I understand that you are additionally setting up Second China Division to handle Chinese and Mongolian issues, meaning there will be Division 1 and Division 2. As for Africa, you will be launching Africa Department. Could you tell us about the purpose of these changes, and also about your basic stance in carrying out diplomacy with China and Africa?

Minister Gemba: I have been notified of this organizational change, but I need to confirm the details once again before I explain about the purpose in order to avoid any factual errors.

5. Japan-China-Korea Investment Agreement

Sakamaki, Bloomberg: About Japan-China-Korea Investment Agreement, you mentioned earlier that you would like to coordinate it at the earliest possible time. Would it be April? Could you be more specific about the schedule?

Minister Gemba: I think the sooner the better.

6. Domestic Political Situation (Omitted)

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