Top > Announcement > Press Conference by Foreign Minister > February 26, 2013

(* 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 Fumio Kishida

Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2013, 8:20 a.m.
Place: Front Entrance Hall, Prime Minister’s Office

Main topics:

  1. Opening Remarks
    • (1) Visit to Japan by H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and his spouse
    • (2) Extension of the period of stay for nurse and caregiver candidates
  2. Japan-ROK relations
  3. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
  4. Realignment of U.S. Forces Japan

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Visit to Japan by H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and his spouse

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: During today’s Cabinet Meeting, it was approved that H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and his spouse will be invited to Japan as an official working visit from Tuesday, March 12, to Friday, March 15.

This visit is expected to further deepen and enhance the friendly and cooperative relations of our two countries and strengthen our bilateral partnership.

(2) Extension of the period of stay for nurse and caregiver candidates

Minister Kishida: Also at today’s Cabinet Meeting, it was decided that there would be an exceptional extension of the period of stay for Indonesian and Filipino nurse and caregiver candidates in Japan, based on our economic partnership agreements (EPAs).

Based on this Cabinet Decision, among candidates who have come to Japan as candidates since FY2010, those who did not have the opportunity to participate in the six month pre-visit Japanese training courses that are currently offered will be able to extend their period of stay for an additional one year provided they meet certain conditions.

For details, an explanation will be given by working-level personnel afterwards.

2. Japan-ROK relations

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: The inauguration ceremony for the new President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) was held yesterday. Meanwhile, a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso and ROK President Park Geun-hye was held. Could you tell us your views on this, as well as the prospects for Japan-ROK relations?

Minister Kishida: The Japan-ROK relationship is an important one based on shared fundamental values and common interests. Although there are difficult issues between the two countries, we should make efforts to establish a future-oriented and multi-layered relationship from a broad perspective.

The new President of the ROK took office yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Aso visited the ROK on behalf of the Government of Japan to express our congratulations. Now that Japan and the ROK have a new administration, we continue to make efforts to build a future-oriented relationship.

3. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), could you tell us the prospects for the timing of a final decision that will be made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe?

Minister Kishida: On the TPP, I understand that Prime Minister Abe will make a final decision based on the understanding gained from the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting and after making a thorough inquiry into the issue by consulting a variety of information previously collected through bilateral meetings. Prime Minister Abe will also take into account further discussions in the ruling party. Either way, I’ll wait for further discussions and the decision by Prime Minister Abe.

4. Realignment of U.S. Forces Japan

Nikaido, Asahi Shimbun: Concerning the relocation of Futenma Air Station, there has been opposition in Okinawa to the landfill application, with people demanding that the facility be relocated to a place outside of Okinawa. When will you submit the application? Will it be after you build a relationship of trust with Okinawa Prefecture?

Minister Kishida: First of all, regarding the realignment of U.S. Forces Japan, I understand that we need to make the utmost efforts to reduce the impact on the people of Okinawa within the current Japan-U.S. agreements. To do so, I think it is very important to restore and build trust. Prime Minister Abe and other relevant Ministers have been working to promote communication with the people of Okinawa for that purpose. The application should be considered while we restore trust and promote communication. That said, nothing has been decided regarding the timing of the application. Furthermore, even if we make progress on the process, we will still need to promote continuous efforts to restore and build trust. There will be no end in our efforts to build trust.

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