Internet Press Chat Conference, 11 October 2007

Visit to Japan by His Excellency Mr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia
Meetings between Japan and the People's Republic of China
Japan-Republic of Korea Politico-Military Talks
Third Round of Negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and the Swiss Confederation
Question concerning the kidnapping of a Japanese national in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Question concerning senior working-level talks regarding the East China Sea dispute
Question concerning the scheduling of overseas visits by Prime Minister Fukuda

I. Visit to Japan by His Excellency Mr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia

Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Let me start off with announcements on a VIP visit and a couple of bilateral meetings.

Firstly, on Sunday, 14 October, His Excellency Mr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia will pay an Official Working Visit to Japan and stay in Japan until Wednesday, 17 October.

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II. Meetings between Japan and the People's Republic of China

Mr. Taniguchi: Secondly, Japan and the People's Republic of China will hold two separate meetings today and tomorrow. One is the tenth Japan-China Consultations concerning the East China Sea and Other Matters, which is now being held in Beijing. The other is the Sixth Japan-China Economic Partnership Consultation to be held in Tokyo tomorrow, 12 October.

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III. Japan-Republic of Korea Politico-Military Talks

Mr. Taniguchi: Thirdly, also tomorrow, 12 October, in Pusan, Japan and the Republic of Korea will hold the 7th Japan-Republic of Korea Politico-Military Talks.

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IV. Third Round of Negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and the Swiss Confederation

Mr. Taniguchi: Fourth and last, starting from Monday, 15 October, Japan and the Swiss Confederation will hold the Third Round of Negotiations on an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) in Yokohama. The round will conclude on Friday, 19 October, 2007.

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V. Question concerning the kidnapping of a Japanese national in the Islamic Republic of Iran

Q: Mr. Taniguchi, Sorry for joining late. I have three questions today.

Firstly, could you give us an update on the kidnapping of a Japanese university student in the Islamic Republic of Iran? Foreign Minister Koumura said this morning the Government has confirmed him safe as of Wednesday night. Please give us more details such as what that conclusion was based on? Has the Japanese Government received any demands from the kidnappers and what kind of cooperation have you been getting from the Iranian Government?

Mr. Taniguchi: Considering the sensitivity of the issue, I am afraid I cannot be specific. I can tell you the Iranian Government is working very hard for a safe release of the Japanese citizen.

VI. Question concerning senior working-level talks regarding the East China Sea dispute

Q: I would also like to ask for an update on the senior working-level talks in Beijing today over the East China Sea dispute. I understand the two sides have set a goal of compiling a plan this autumn on jointly developing the disputed gas fields. What are the chances that the agreement can be made to meet the deadline? Can we expect any significant progress from today's half-day meeting?

Mr. Taniguchi: You are absolutely right in saying that both nations are working on an agreed time frame. We still remain hopeful that a constructive agreement will be forged sooner rather than later between the two nations.

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VII. Question concerning the scheduling of overseas visits by Prime Minister Fukuda

Q: Yesterday Prime Minister Fukuda expressed his desire to visit the United States of America for his first official overseas trip. Are preparations already underway for him to go in November? Also, is the premier expecting a visit to China by the end of the year?

Mr. Taniguchi: I must say when it comes to scheduling visits of the members of the Cabinet to overseas the approval from the Diet is always a prerequisite. You and I know that Mr. Fukuda is keen on making both visits, to Washington D.C. as well as to Beijing, but I cannot elaborate further.

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