Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 14 February 2013

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 14 February 2013

  1. Japan’s diplomatic efforts in response to the nuclear test by North Korea
  2. Japan-Spain Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
  3. Study Tour to Kanagawa Prefecture by the Diplomatic Corps in Japan
  4. Japan-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue

1. Japan’s diplomatic efforts in response to the nuclear test by North Korea

Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Naoko Saiki: Good afternoon. I would like to start with several announcements.

Ms. Saiki: First, on Japan’s diplomatic efforts in response to the nuclear test by North Korea. Following the highly provocative and very regrettable action by North Korea to conduct the third nuclear test, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida have held a number of telephone conversations with counterparts.
For instance, this morning Prime Minister Abe held telephone talks with US President Barack Obama, and they agreed to seek a new United Nations Security Council resolution authorizing new or additional sanctions on North Korea in response to its latest nuclear test. The two leaders shared the view that the test has seriously undermined peace and stability not only in Northeast Asia but also in the international community as a whole and that it is very important for Japan, the United States, and South Korea to continue to closely work together. President Obama reaffirmed that the United States remains steadfast in its defense commitments to Japan, including extended deterrence offered by the US nuclear umbrella.
In addition to this telephone conversation with President Obama of the United States, Prime Minister Abe was able to hold a telephone conversation with President Lee Myung-Bak of the People’s Republic of Korea yesterday.
Foreign Minister Kishida has held telephone talks with foreign ministers of Australia, the United States, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and France separately.

2. Japan-Spain Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Ms. Saiki: Second, on a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Mr. Fumio Kishida, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, Mr. Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo. At the outset of the meeting, the two ministers recognized that Japan and Spain share values and principles such as democracy, fundamental human rights, the rule of law, and free trade, as well as interests and responsibilities in addressing the broad range of international affairs. The ministers also confirmed that the “400th anniversary of Japan-Spain relations” straddling years 2013 and 2014 provides the two countries with an excellent opportunity to even further enhance their bilateral relations and cooperation. Building upon this common recognition, the ministers had candid and in-depth discussions on bilateral relations, cooperation between Japan and the European Union, and regional and international issues. In particular, the two ministers strongly condemned North Korea’s nuclear test on February 12 and missile launch in December last year as they seriously undermined the regional and international peace and stability. They strongly urged North Korea to faithfully and fully comply with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions including Resolution 2087 and the 2005 Six-Party Talks Joint Statement, and refrain from any further provocative actions. They also reiterated that North Korea must address the humanitarian concerns of the international community, including the abduction issue.

3. Study Tour to Kanagawa Prefecture by the Diplomatic Corps in Japan

Ms. Saiki: Third, on a Study Tour to Kanagawa Prefecture by the Diplomatic Corps in Japan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organize the Study Tour with Kanagawa Prefecture for the Diplomatic Corps in Japan from February 21 to 22. This Study Tour is regularly held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with local governments in order to showcase regional attractions such as cultures and industries for diplomats in Japan every year. During this study tour, the participants are expected to deepen their understanding of Kanagawa Prefecture through visits to natural properties, and industrial and cultural facilities, and to exchange opinions with people from a variety of sectors.

4. Japan-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue

Ms. Saiki: Fourth, on a Japan-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue. The Japan-Myanmar Human Rights Dialogue was held on February 11 in Myanmar. This dialogue was held between the two countries for the first time. During the dialogue, both countries exchanged views on human rights situations such as activities of National Human Rights Commission, peace negotiations, and release of prisoners of conscience in Myanmar, as well as on Japanese assistance to Myanmar and cooperation in the field of human rights in the international arena including the UN resolution on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.

With these initial announcements, I will be happy to take your questions.
I see none. This concludes today’s conference. Thank you for coming.

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