(* This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only. The original text is in Japanese.)

Press Conference by Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba

Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2011, 1:58 p.m.
Place: MOFA Press Conference Room

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
Q&A: To be posted shortly

1. Opening Remarks

Minister Gemba: I would like to mention three matters.
The first is that nine North Korean defectors found off the Noto Peninsula on September 13 left for the Republic of Korea on the morning of October 4. Under the policy of handling them properly from a humanitarian viewpoint, we have consulted with the Republic of Korea with the consideration of their desire to go to the Republic of Korea.
The second is my visit to Southeast Asia. If the situation permits, I will visit Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore from October 11 to 15. I am scheduled to meet the Foreign Ministers of the countries during the visit, and courtesy calls on the leaders of the countries are being coordinated.
This will be my first visit to Southeast Asia after I took office as Foreign Minister. This will be the first visit of Japan's Foreign Minister solely for the bilateral context to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore in two years, eight years, and five years, respectively. Indonesia is the chair of ASEAN, and needless to say, Malaysia and Singapore are major countries in ASEAN, which are making remarkable economic progress.
It has become an extremely important issue to capture the dynamism of Asia for the realization of open reconstruction and for the preparation of the forthcoming era of decreasing population as Japan has repeatedly pointed out, and I would like to deepen mutually beneficial economic relationships with these countries through the visit.
In addition, we are thinking of creating an open multi-layer network by taking this opportunity. Toward the development of mechanisms for making rules for the network, the ASEAN Summit will be held in November. I would like to reaffirm Japan’s partnership with the ASEAN countries.
The third point is a mine attack in the Philippines. As you are aware, the attack to a mine plant occurred in the northern part of Mindanao Island yesterday. I instructed the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines to confirm the safety of Japanese nationals and request the Philippine Government to ensure safety. I was relieved to receive a report last night stating that there was no human damage to the local Japanese people.
I gave further instructions last night to gather detailed information on the incident and request the Philippine Government to take measures to ensure safety and to prevent similar incidents. I would like to continue making efforts so that Japanese enterprises can conduct business activities without worries overseas.

2. Q&A: To be posted shortly

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