Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 12 January 2012

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 12 January 2012

  1. Foreign Minister Gemba's Visit to the Middle East
  2. International Energy Seminar

  1. Foreign Minister Gemba's Visit to the Middle East

    2. Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Naoko Saiki: Good afternoon. I would like to begin by touching on a couple of topics.

    Ms. Saiki: First, on Foreign Minister Gemba's visit to the Middle East. Foreign Minister Gemba visited Turkey on 6 January, Saudi Arabia on 7 and 8, Qatar on 8 and 9, the United Arab Emirates on 10, and Afghanistan on 11 January.

    In terms of ensuring energy security, we have made progress in strengthening our ties with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In particular, as these three countries are the key countries to Japan for the importation of crude oil and LNG, it is noteworthy that they respectively expressed their commitment to provide Japan with oil and LNG sufficient and necessary for Japan's need.

    Japan has for some time been actively developing diplomacy towards emerging countries. In this regard, it was meaningful that the Foreign Minister held talks with political leaders of Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, during which the enhancement of bilateral cooperation was agreed upon and areas of collaboration between Japan and the country concerned were identified.

    In addition, Foreign Minister Gemba was able to exchange views with his counterparts and other very senior officials of these countries on regional issues, including the situation surrounding Iran, and they agreed to continue to work in close consultation and cooperation at international fora.

    In Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Gemba had meetings with President Karzai and other dignitaries, where he explained the basic thinking on Tokyo Conference to be held in July this year. An agreement was reached that both Japan and Afghanistan will closely cooperate towards success in the Conference.

  2. International Energy Seminar

    3. Ms. Saiki: Second, on an International Energy Seminar. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) will jointly host an International Energy Seminar in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture on Friday, 2 March.

    At the seminar, proposals for achieving smart communities in disaster-affected areas are scheduled to be put forward by energy-related international organizations and specialists from inside and outside Japan.

    One month before the seminar is held, details will be published on the websites and in press releases of the ministries and agencies concerned. We will put pertinent information on our website, so please check.

    Now, I will be happy to take questions.

    No questions?
    Thank you.

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