Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 22 November 2012

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 22 November 2012

  1. The situation in Gaza
  2. The 15th Japan-ASEAN Summit
  3. The launch of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
  4. The launch of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations among Japan, China, and the ROK.
  5. Question concerning the US-Japan Alliance
  6. Questions concerning the first round of Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations
  7. Follow up question concerning media events

1. The situation in Gaza

First, on the situation in Gaza: Japan welcomes the cease-fire agreement reached by the parties to the conflict. We strongly hope that this agreement will bring about a sustainable and durable cessation of hostility in Gaza and Israel. In fact, the day before yesterday, on November 20, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Koichiro Gemba, held telephone conversations with Dr. Riyad al-Maliki, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestine Authority, who was visiting Cairo, Egypt, and with Mr. Avigdor Lieberman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, respectively. Minister Gemba strongly requested both of them to continue their efforts for early realization of continuous cease-fire. Japan highly commends the efforts made by Egypt, the United States, and other countries and international organizations concerned to achieve the cease-fire. We will provide the utmost cooperation toward the full implementation of the cease-fire agreement and the stabilization of the situation in Gaza and will continue supporting such efforts as the international community has been making to advance the peace process.

2. The 15th Japan-ASEAN Summit

Second, on the 15th Japan-ASEAN Summit: the Japan-ASEAN Summit was held on November 19 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda attended the meeting. Prime Minister Noda emphasized that amid the changing Asia-Pacific security and economic environment, the importance of ASEAN, which is growing and progressing towards unity, is increasing for peace and prosperity in Japan and the East Asian region as a whole. He stated that Japan will continue to actively assist in the establishment of the ASEAN community for 2015 through the steady implementation of the Bali Declaration adopted at last year’s summit. In fact, next year, 2013 will mark the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation. Japan will host the Japan-ASEAN Commemorative Summit in December 2013. Mr. Noda invited all ASEAN leaders to join and discuss a mid- to long-term vision of strengthening the Japan-ASEAN relationship at the Commemorative Summit in Tokyo next year. Furthermore Prime Minister Noda touched upon a variety of issues, including ASEAN connectivity, trade and investment cooperation, disaster management, the South China Sea, China, North Korea, and international cooperation such as that relating to the United Nation Security Council Reform.

3. The launch of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership

Third, on the launch of negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): on November 20, a ceremony to launch negotiations for the RCEP was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. At the ceremony, the ASEAN countries, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Australia, New Zealand, and India announced the launch of RCEP negotiations.

4. The launch of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations among Japan, China, and the ROK.

Fourth, on the launch of the Free Trade Agreement negotiations among Japan, China, and the ROK: on November 20, the Japan-China-ROK Economic and Trade Ministers Meeting was held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. At the meeting, the launch of the FTA negotiations amongst Japan, China, and the ROK was announced. The ministers further decided that the first round of the trilateral FTA negotiations would be held in early 2013.

With these initial announcements, I would be happy to take your questions.

5. Question concerning the US-Japan Alliance

Q: Thank you. I was at the launch of the LDP policy manifesto yesterday and listened to the comments of the President of the LDP, Mr. Shinzo Abe. And according to him, the US-Japan alliance has broken down and is in a terrible situation under the DPJ Government. Is that also the understanding of this ministry that the US-Japan Alliance has frayed and that it is in a weak and bad condition at this time?

Ms. Saiki: Thank you for the question. First of all, I refrain from making comments on the political manifesto of political parties – any political parties here in Japan. That being stated, the relationship between Japan and the United States, we believe, is the most important bilateral relationship for us and the cornerstone of the maintenance and enhancement of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, in April this year, Prime Minister Noda visited Washington to hold a bilateral summit with President Obama, where both leaders reaffirmed the significance of the alliance between the two countries and they were able to issue the joint statement, “a shared vision for the future”. This is just one of the many examples of how deep and how elaborated our bilateral relations with the United States have been. This is the answer I can give you.

Q: Thank you.

Ms. Saiki: You’re welcome.

6. Questions concerning the first round of Japan-Canada Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations

Q: On Monday I understand that a delegation from Canada will be coming here to negotiate some sort of economic agreement? Please tell me what is this Monday meeting? What level are the officials that are coming and what is the purpose of this Canada Trade Agreement?

Ms. Saiki: Thank you for the question. Yes, we are going to have the first round of negotiations towards the conclusion of an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and Canada starting on Monday next week. The meeting is scheduled to continue until Friday next week. The whole week will be spent for the first round of negotiations on Japan-Canada EPA negotiations. For Japan, Ambassador Jun Yokota, Ambassador in charge of international trade and economy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will head the delegation. For Canada, Assistant Deputy Minister for Trade Policy and Negotiations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Mr. Ian Burney, will be the head of the delegation.

7. Follow up question concerning media events

Q: One final question I may have. Will there be media events throughout the week or just the one on Monday?

Ms. Saiki: Good question. Let me check, and I will get back to you with an answer. Generally speaking, there will be a photo session at the beginning of the meeting on Monday, and on Friday after the completion of the first round of negotiations, hopefully, the director responsible for the matter is going to hold a background briefing, or a press briefing, in order to provide you with information on the outcome, but I can check.

Q: Okay, thank you. Those are my only questions.

Ms. Saiki: You’re welcome. Are there any other questions? Thank you for coming.

Back to Index