Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > May 18, 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, May 18, 2012, 11:31 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • (1) Minister’s Attendance at the NATO Summit
    • (2) Emergency Grant Assistance for Refugees from Syria
  2. Questions concerning the NATO Summit
  3. Questions concerning Japan-ROK Relations
  4. Questions concerning Sanctions on Iran
  5. Questions concerning the Situation in Syria
  6. Questions concerning the TPP

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Minister’s Attendance at the NATO Summit

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: On the occasion of the NATO Summit which will take place on May 20 and 21 in Chicago, a meeting on Afghanistan is scheduled to be held. If circumstances permit, I will attend the meeting on behalf of the Government of Japan.
In the meeting on Afghanistan, securing of sustainable stability in Afghanistan after the retreat of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) at the end of 2014 will be discussed. As the host country of the Tokyo conference to be held in July, Japan will argue for the importance of ensuring sustainability of Afghanistan in terms of not just security but development as well.
This will be the first time for Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan to participate in a NATO Summit.

(2) Emergency Grant Assistance for Refugees from Syria

Minister Gemba: There has been a continuous series of suppression and violence for over 14 months in Syria, causing many casualties and refugees. In order to support the refugees arising from the worsening humanitarian and security situation in Syria, I announced at today’s Cabinet Meeting that it was decided that Japan would provide additional emergency grant assistance amounting to US$5 million.

Based on this decision, in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Japan will implement projects such as swift distribution of food, sanitary items, and medical supplies.

2. Questions concerning the NATO Summit

Shimada, NHK: With regard to the NATO Summit, could you once again explain what commitment Japan will make at NATO in preparation for the Tokyo conference?

Minister Gemba: Stabilizing Afghanistan is a central theme of the international community. Japan has to exert its responsibilities as one of the major countries in the world. Afghanistan faces various challenges including security, national reconciliation, and socio-economic development. First of all, Japan will need to make certain efforts to help Afghanistan enhance its security to some extent. In addition, the Tokyo conference is going to be held so that Japan can contribute with our field of expertise and uniqueness. The theme of the conference will be ‘the sustainable development of Afghanistan’.  I believe that Japan should take leadership in ensuring sustainable development, while securing Afghanistan’s commitment for strengthening its own governance. I will deliver my statements based on this context.

3. Questions concerning Japan-ROK Relations

Shimada, NHK: The National Defense Minister of the Republic of Korea cancelled a visit to Japan planned for the end of this month. And the conclusion of various agreements between Japan and the Republic of Korea will be delayed, including the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). How do you see the current situation, and what is your perspective towards the future?

Minister Gemba: I suppose that the Republic of Korea internally faces some sensitive issues  on the military collaboration with Japan because of the past history of our two countries. However it was not the case that the schedule of the visit had been clearly defined. As I said before, Japan and the Republic of Korea share strategic interests in the whole Asia-Pacific region and it has become far more significant for the two countries to cooperate on security issues in East Asia. So both countries should work together on security issues within this large context. GSOMIA is symbolically important for this. I have heard that the ROK President stated that this is an important issue despite some domestic opposition. I will be further seeking cooperation with the Republic of Korea.

4. Questions concerning Sanctions on Iran

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ has been ordered by the New York District Court to halt all settlement transactions with Iran. The bank filed a petition of objection with the court yesterday. What is your opinion with regard to the validity of a U.S. court freezing even assets located in Japan, and does the Japanese Government or more specifically, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have any plan to work with the U.S. government on this?

Minister Gemba: I understand what has taken place well, but let me remind you that this is a judicial issue. It may not be appropriate for me to make specific comments on an individual case in public. What I can say right now is that the Japanese Government will take appropriate actions on this issue and that we are closely communicating with the United States right now. The major obstacle is that this is a judicial matter. As you well know, Japan has been closely collaborating with the United States to reduce the import of crude oil from the perspective of international coordination, pressure, and sanctions. On the other hand, we have sought to avoid a negative impact on the domestic Japanese economy by applying an exception of the U.S. National Defense Authorization Act and other related laws. In any case, this issue is a judicial matter and something different from what we have been dealing with. I cannot state what specific interactions are taking place between Japan and the United States. I believe that we need to exchange our views going forward.

5. Questions concerning the Situation in Syria

Yoshioka, NHK: It is reported that Syria told the United Nations that it will not request the dispatch of a ceasefire monitoring team. Based on this information, could you once again explain how Japan will assist and support Syria?

Minister Gemba: First of all, we must respond to the request for PKO activities by considering domestic situations, including “The Five Principles” on PKO.

As we consider what Japan can do against this backdrop, we will make an effort to unify and work with the anti-government camp, as they are not united among themselves. Furthermore, we will offer humanitarian assistance, as I mentioned before. The humanitarian situation in Syria is very serious and we have announced this time that we will offer an additional US$5 million in addition to the previous US$3 million given for this purpose.

6. Questions concerning the TPP

Ikeda, Kyodo News: With regard to the TPP, you announced in this morning’s Cabinet Meeting that you have selected Mr. Shotaro Oshima as the representative of the Japanese Government in talks related to the TPP. He has so far taken on several positions, including Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs in charge of economic affairs. Could you explain how you reached this decision?

Minister Gemba: I have been working on this decision for some time. As some of you may directly know, Mr. Oshima has experience shouldering the core responsibilities of Japanese economic diplomacy, with specific expertise in this area and appropriate negotiation skills. 

We have been closely consulting with related countries on this issue and clearly we have gone through some tough situations. Based on the last U.S.-Japan Summit and other meetings, our leaders have been sharing the view that we will make further efforts on this issue. I have appointed Mr. Oshima as the representative of the Japanese Government this time based on the perspective that we will be required to upgrade consultations with related countries to a higher level.

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