Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have four announcements at the outset.

First is about the G7 Summit.

Prime Minister Ishiba is currently visiting Canada to attend the G7 Kananaskis Summit.

On Day 1, I am aware that the leaders held candid and in-depth discussions on a range of issues, including the global economy, economic security and strengthening and diversifying supply chain resilience for critical minerals, and countering wildfires and migrant smuggling, as well as the international situation, including the Middle East where Iran-Israel tensions are rising, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific.

The G7 marks its 50th anniversary. It is vital that the G7 works together and unites to lead the international response to various challenges. At tomorrow’s sessions, Prime Minister Ishiba will communicate the position and initiatives of Japan, including the Indo-Pacific perspective, as the only G7 member from Asia.

Minister Iwaya: Second is about the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting that was held coinciding with the G7 Summit.

On June 16, local time, on the occasion of the G7 Summit, Prime Minister Ishiba held a meeting with President Trump for approximately 30 minutes.

The two leaders concurred that both countries will further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) and to further contribute to the peace and stability of the world.

The two leaders also had candid discussions on the series of tariff measures by the U.S. and concurred that they would instruct the ministers in charge to further advance their consultation.

Minister Iwaya: Third is about the situation in the Middle East.

We are deeply concerned about the current exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran. Any action that further escalates the situation should be avoided, and Japan will strongly call on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate tensions.

I also stressed these points to the Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi on June 16.

Japan has been urging Israel at various levels. Last month, on May 13, I held a meeting with the Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar. Japan will continue to make contact and request Israel to exercise maximum restraint. We will continue our diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

In addition, the situation is becoming increasingly tense. The Government will work with the utmost sense of urgency to secure the safety of Japanese nationals. In particular, the situation in Iran is serious, and we plan to further raise the risk level for Iran and issue an “Evacuate and Avoid all travel” warning for the entire country shortly.

Minister Iwaya: Fourth is about the reception commemorating the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations.

Yesterday, June 16, in Seoul, a reception commemorating the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations was hosted by the Embassy of Japan in the ROK. I understand that the event was a great success with many people in attendance, including a video message delivered by President Lee Jae Myung.

This coming Thursday, June 19, a commemorative reception hosted by the Embassy of the ROK in Japan will be held in Tokyo.

In this milestone year, I myself will make continued efforts toward the stable development of Japan-ROK relations.

That is all from me at the outset.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting which you mentioned in your opening remarks. First, could you tell us the significance of holding the first in-person summit meeting since February? Furthermore, the two leaders concurred that both countries will continue the negotiations on tariff measures. Can this continuation of negotiations be considered as a step forward in the context of the entire negotiations? Please share your assessment.

Minister Iwaya: It was the first meeting since the summit meeting in Washington, D.C. During this period, , as you are aware, they have held several telephone talks. In that sense, I have been informed that a very open and candid exchange of views took place.

Regarding tariffs, as Prime Minister Ishiba has already stated, thus far, both Japan and the U.S. have engaged in sincere discussions with great intensity. Although both sides have explored the possibility of an agreement right up to the last possible moment, they do not fully share the same recognition on the matter. Some points of discrepancy remain. Both sides have, accordingly, not reached agreement on the package as a whole.

Against this backdrop, at this summit meeting, the two leaders concurred that they would instruct the ministers in charge to further advance their consultation.

Japan will continue to vigorously coordinate with the U.S. toward realizing a mutually beneficial agreement while upholding its national interests.

In the meantime, Minister AKAZAWA has held the fourth, fifth, and sixth rounds of ministerial consultation and building on their outcomes, the summit meeting was held. Although both sides are not yet in complete agreement, it was decided that the ministers will advance their consultation on the remaining points. In this sense, I understand that steady progress is being made, one step at a time.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about the situation in Israel and Iran that you explained in your opening remarks. The situation has deteriorated due to an exchange of attacks since last week, and the international calls for the exercise of restraint do not appear to be resonating with either country. As you explained earlier, you held a telephone talk with the Iranian Foreign Minister yesterday. Please explain the role Japan should play amid the current situation in the Middle East once again. Additionally, there are Japanese nationals living in the region. Please tell us about the status of preparations being made to ensure their safety and to evacuate them, as well as the possibility for cooperation with third countries in evacuating Japanese nationals.

Minister Iwaya: As I stated at the outset, Japan is deeply and gravely concerned about the current exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran. We have been strongly calling on and will continue to urge Israel, Iran, and all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate tensions.

Israel is, of course, a friend of Japan. We also have longstanding diplomatic relations with Iran. As such, we believe the role Japan should play is to urge both sides to resolve this issue through dialogue and consultation.

Peace and stability in the Middle East are of paramount importance to Japan. We will continue to work closely with the countries and organizations concerned, including the G7, and carry out all necessary diplomatic efforts.

Regarding measures to secure the safety of Japanese nationals, we are currently issuing warnings to Japanese nationals in Iran and Israel in a timely manner. In response to the Israeli attack on Tehran last night, we provided concrete support to evacuate Japanese nationals to safe locations. We have not received information about any harm to the lives or health of Japanese nationals so far.

Furthermore, we are currently arranging means to evacuate Japanese nationals out of both countries. As a matter of course, we are also exploring cooperation with third countries. We will make appropriate decisions based on a proper examination of the situation.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: First, I would like to ask about the measures to secure the safety of Japanese nationals you just mentioned. You stated that the Government provided concrete support to evacuate Japanese nationals to safe locations. Is it correct to understand that the Government provided information on safe locations to Japanese nationals? Or did the embassies provide places to evacuate for safety? What was the situation? Please provide more details. Secondly, you mentioned in your opening remarks that the travel risk level would be raised to “Evacuate and Avoid All Travel,” so am I right that it will be raised to Level 4? In addition, you held a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi yesterday. What arrangements are being made for a meeting with the Israeli side? Please tell us about the specific status of arrangements and any prospects you have for a foreign ministers’ meeting.

Minister Iwaya: First, regarding our evacuation support, while Japanese nationals were guided to safe locations, I would like to refrain from disclosing their exact locations for the safety of Japanese nationals.

As to whether an “Evacuate and Avoid All Travel” warning will be issued, this will be determined appropriately considering developments in the situation. Since the situation in Iran is very severe, I expect that the risk level for Iran will be raised quickly. For Israel, it will be determined appropriately as needed based on a careful assessment of the situation.

Regarding contact with Israel, various arrangements are currently being made, including direct telephone talks.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is also about the Middle East. There are reports saying that Israel is planning to attack Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and also Israel threatened Egypt with nuclear weapons. This was said by Israeli Prime Minister and by Official State of Egypt. Israel has not signed The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and you rewarded Israel at G7 yesterday, by giving it the support to attack whoever it wants under the title of self-defense. For that Japanese government seems to be rapidly improving military and technological ties with Israel instead of calling for sanctions against that country as you did with Russia. I know you published many statements against Israel. But don’t you think that your policy of not imposing sanctions is encouraging Israel to continue its illegal occupation and also lousy wars against other countries?

Minister Iwaya: In response to the current tense situation in the Middle East, Japan is strongly calling on all parties concerned, including Israel, to exercise maximum restraint and de-escalate tensions, emphasizing that escalation of the situation is by no means in the interest of the entire international community.

Needless to say, Iran’s development of nuclear weapons is unacceptable, and we believe it is important to resolve this issue through consultation.

Japan will continue to carry out all necessary diplomatic efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I have a question about Japan’s foreign policy. With the U.S. declaring its withdrawal from AUKUS, an alliance among the U.S., the UK, and Australia, while Prime Minister Carney of Canada expressing an intention to dissolve its alliance with the U.S. The unity of the West or the G7 is rapidly fracturing and disintegrating. It seems that “the West as we knew it no longer exists,” as President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has remarked. Regarding the war between Israel and Iran, I believe Japan should shift from “diplomacy of habit,” or cooperating with the already fractured West, to an independent diplomacy that places national interests first to avoid a third oil crisis. Without fearing isolation within the G7, Japan should urge Israel, which continues to engage in genocide in Gaza and is also a nuclear-armed state, to exercise strong restraint, while boldly calling on Israel, which launched a preemptive strike, to implement a ceasefire. Furthermore, Japan should support a two-state solution with Palestine and even go so far as recognizing Palestine as a state. Please share your thoughts with us.

Minister Iwaya: I do not agree with your comment that the G7 is fracturing and disintegrating. On the contrary, precisely because the world is moving toward division and confrontation, with various conflicts breaking out, it is all the more important for the G7 to unite. The role Japan should play at the summit in Canada is to ensure the G7’s unity once again. Opinions are expected to differ depending on the issue or theme, and Japan’s role is to bridge gap between the G7 members to strengthen their unity. I believe Prime Minister Ishiba is currently fulfilling this role effectively at this time.

Regarding the latter part of your question, I am in full agreement. As I have been stating from earlier, for both the situation in the Gaza Strip and the current issue between Iran and Israel, Japan has called on all parties concerned to resolve them through dialogue and consultation in accordance with international law. Japan’s position on Gaza is that it is important for both sides to implement, steadily and in good faith, the agreement on the release of hostages and a ceasefire. We have been urging all parties, including Israel, to return to negotiations and to work in good faith toward the continuation of the agreement.

Regarding the issue of Palestine, as I have consistently stated, we have consistently supported a “two-state solution” through negotiations between the parties. Japan understands the wish of the Palestinians to establish an independent state and has supported Palestine’s efforts toward that.

However, that being said, it is important that the recognition of Palestine as a state takes into account the perspective of whether it can contribute to progress in the peace process. Under the current circumstances, we must carefully examine whether recognizing Palestine as a state will contribute to improving or resolving the situation. Therefore, while adhering to the policy that the “two-state solution” is the final resolution, we will continue to comprehensively examine what responses are most effective at what stage of the process.

Radio France, Nishimura: I would like to confirm a point concerning the situation in Israel and Iran. Prime Minister Ishiba strongly condemned Israel’s actions shortly after its attacks on Iran. Since then, it seems that the Government of Japan has not used such stern rhetoric toward Israel. Is there a difference between the Government’s initial view and the current view on the attacks?

Minister Iwaya: We are deeply concerned about the current exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran. Initially, Israel launched attacks, and then Iran launched retaliatory attacks. These exchanges of attacks continue even now. We are deeply concerned about the current situation.

I believe that the G7 Summit leaders’ statement was issued as a consensus based on the result of the leaders’ discussion on the current situation and that it reiterates the G7’s commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East.

In any case, the position of the Government of Japan is as I stated in my opening remarks today. The Government of Japan’s position is that both Israel and Iran should de-escalate tensions and make efforts to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about the G7 Summit. President Trump of the U.S., who attended the G7 Summit, left the summit partway through. The Government of Japan has been emphasizing the importance of G7 unity. What is the Government’s view on the U.S. leader’s absence from the G7 Summit?

Minister Iwaya: We would like to refrain from commenting on decisions made by other governments. According to the U.S. announcement, we understand that, in light of the current situation in the Middle East, President Trump will be returning to the U.S. after attending the discussion on the international situation on June 16 at the G7 Kananaskis Summit.

Accordingly, we understand that President Trump is unavoidably leaving the meeting to respond to the situation in the Middle East. However, we are aware that candid discussions were held among the leaders on various issues during President Trump’s attendance, and we believe that the leaders have a shared view on the importance of G7 cooperation and unity. We understand that President Trump’s early departure is due to unavoidable circumstances.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I have a question about the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting held at the G7 Summit. I believe there was some expectation that an agreement on the tariff negotiations would be reached at this meeting, but the two leaders concurred that the consultation should continue to be advanced this time. As for the way forward, do you believe that time should be spent to reach a substantial agreement? In addition, given that the grace period for additional tariffs will end on July 9, what kind of policy and timeline do you think we should bear in mind? I would appreciate your candid opinion.

Minister Iwaya: Since the summit meeting has just ended, future consultations will be coordinated going forward. In any case, the two leaders had discussions and have instructed the ministers to further accelerate their consultation, thus I expect that both sides will continue to coordinate and discuss vigorously.

Needless to say, both Japan and the U.S. have national interests that they cannot compromise on. From our perspective, protecting the interests of the automobile sector, which is our core industry, is fundamental to our national interest. As Prime Minister Ishiba has repeatedly stated, both sides are now seriously exploring the possibility of an agreement in a form that is consistent with these national interests. So at this stage, it is difficult to say specifically when an agreement will be reached. There is nothing better than reaching an agreement as soon as possible. That is to be hoped for. Therefore, both sides intend to continue vigorous discussions toward this end.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: One more question. I have a question about Japan-ROK relations that you mentioned at the outset. At the reception in Seoul, I believe a video message from President Lee Jae Myung was shown, and Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Nagashima was in attendance. I understand a reception hosted by the ROK Embassy will be held in Japan on the 19th. Who is scheduled to attend from the Government? Will you be attending? Will the Prime Minister be attending? If any arrangements are being made in this regard, please tell us.

Minister Iwaya: That has not been decided yet. It is being arranged. Since I understand that the reception held in Seoul was outstanding, the Government will make its best efforts to ensure that the ceremony in Japan will also serve as a symbol of the forward advancement of Japan-ROK relations.