Press Conference, 20 November 2007

Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura on the cyclone in the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Visit by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda to the Republic of Singapore
Announcements available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website
Question concerning the Japan-CLV (the Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam) Summit Meeting
Question concerning the upcoming visit to Japan by President Nguyen Minh Triet of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

I. Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura on the cyclone in the People's Republic of Bangladesh

Deputy Press Secretary Tomohiko Taniguchi: Good afternoon, and thanks, as always, for coming to join me.

Nothing else should start today's opening statement than the Foreign Minister's remarks on the situation in Bangladesh.

The size of the death toll caused by the cyclone is increasing almost hourly. People in Japan have been appalled by the massive devastation, and are showing great sympathy to the people in Bangladesh.

Earlier yesterday Minister for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura issued a statement saying, and I quote, "I am deeply sorry to hear of the great loss of life and property in Bangladesh." He also noted that the Government of Japan would be providing emergency assistance in kind worth 35 million yen, the first batch of which will arrive in Dhaka this very day, 20 November. Let me also note that the Japan Platform (JPF) will start delivering the assistance in the cyclone hit areas almost immediately.

Related Information (Press Release)

II. Visit by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda to the Republic of Singapore

Mr. Taniguchi: Now turning to Singapore, where discussions related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the East Asia Summit (EAS) are taking place: this morning Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda joined his counterparts from the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of Korea (ROK) to have a tripartite meeting. He then met the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao for a bilateral meeting, which Foreign Minister Koumura also joined. This afternoon there will be meetings such as the ASEAN Plus Three Summit, the Japan-ROK Summit, and the Japan-CLV (the Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam) Summit. Foreign Minister Koumura will participate in the Japan-ROK Summit.

Tomorrow, scheduled meetings will include the Japan-ASEAN Summit, the EAS Working Lunch followed by the discussion by the same members, and a signing ceremony for the EAS Joint Declaration.

I wish I could brief you in more detail with respect to the meetings that have taken place, but can't for the moment. We will be uploading the gist of the discussions on to the net as soon as it has been made available.

Please remember Mrs. Fukuda is also traveling with the Prime Minister. She has visited one of the biggest hospitals already today. She has just now presented awards to the winners of what is called the Postcard Contest. Tomorrow she will be visiting the Japanese School and the Department of Japanese Studies at the National University of Singapore.

III. Announcements available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Website

Mr. Taniguchi: Finally let me tell you that the following items will be appearing on our website with detailed descriptions: the 15th Asian Export Control Seminar; the 3rd Meeting on Japan-Hungary Cooperation Forum; the visit to Japan by UNHCR High Commissioner Antonio Guterres; and the visit to Japan by President Mahinda Rajapaksa of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

IV. Question concerning the Japan-CLV (the Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam) Summit Meeting

Q: With regard to the Japan-CLV Summit Meeting, could you give me more details on what they are going to discuss?

Mr. Taniguchi: After the meeting, the details would be briefed. For now, let me say that among the South East Asian countries, the CLV countries are the important ones. Japan is focusing its diplomatic efforts on the three countries. Those include economic and technical assistance and capacity building in many ways. In particular with Viet Nam, Japan and Viet Nam are negotiating an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and the two countries have agreed to further promote the negotiations.

There is one country conspicuous in its absence: Myanmar. It is premature for me to say anything on what the ASEAN countries would discuss on the country, but Japan is deeply concerned about the situation in Myanmar, and we will have a discussion with the CLV countries on how we should deal with the situation. That would be one of the important issues for discussion.

V. Question concerning the upcoming visit to Japan by President Nguyen Minh Triet of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Q: During the ASEAN summit meeting, will Prime Minister Fukuda touch upon the coming state visit to Japan by President Nguyen Minh Triet of Viet Nam?

Mr. Taniguchi: The schedule of the state visit is already set, and all we have to do now is to welcome the President, therefore, the Prime Minister will not raise the visit per se as a discussion item at the meeting.

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