(* 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: Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 3:45 p.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Main topics:

Opening Remarks
- (1) Foreign Minister Gemba’s Attendance at the Meeting on Afghanistan on the occasion of the NATO Summit Meeting
- (2) Visit to Japan by by H.E. Mr. Fernando LUGO Méndes, President of the Republic of Paraguay
- (3) Visit to Japan by H.E. Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Question concerning Japan-China relations
Question concerning the visit to Japan by Foreign Minister of Pakistan
Question concerning Japan-China relations
Question concerning the Issue of Northern Territories
Question concerning the Hague Convention
Question concerning the Situation in North Korea
Question concerning Japan-China relations and Japan-ROK relations
Questions concerning Situation in North Korea
Question concerning Japan-Russia relations

1. Opening Remarks

(1) Foreign Minister Gemba’s Attendance at the Meeting on Afghanistan on the occasion of the NATO Summit Meeting

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba: I would like to mention three points. The first point is about my attendance at the Meeting on Afghanistan on the occasion of the NATO Summit Meeting.
In the meeting on Afghanistan, while I stated that we wished to continue appropriate assistance to the International Security Force in Afghanistan, on and after 2015, I emphasized the importance of development. I explained our basic thinking toward the Tokyo Conference, which will be held on July 8 this year. The participants expressed their expectation and support for the Tokyo Conference.
At the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, I said that ensuring security is the prerequisite for the stability and development of Afghanistan, and that Japan would make an appropriate contribution to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan on and after 2015. Secretary of State Clinton expressed her appreciation to it, We also exchanged views on Iran, North Korea, and others. At the same time, regarding the bilateral relations, we concurred on further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance on the basis of “A Shared Vision for the Future”, issued during Prime Minister’s Noda visit to the United States.
Regarding the Japan-France Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, French Foreign Minister Fabius and I shared the view that we would elevate Japan-France relations to its supreme level. We confirmed that we would convene a Strategic Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue toward the latter half of this year, which was held previously with former Foreign Minister Juppe last January. Also, I explained Japan’s cooperation toward the stability of the European economy, and asked for a decision from a comprehensive point of view from the French side for the early commencement of the negotiation for Japan-EU EPA. In addition, we took up issues of Iran, Afghanistan, and others, and we discussed for about an hour.
During the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting between Japan and the EU, I asked for their consideration for an extension of the exceptions of insurance and reinsurance provision of the EU measures, concerning the transport of Iranian crude oil. Baroness Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy expressed that there would be a discussion in the near future. I also asked for the EU’s cooperation on the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan to be held in July.

(2) Visit to Japan by by H.E. Mr. Fernando LUGO Méndes, President of the Republic of Paraguay

Minister Gemba: President Lugo of Paraguay will pay a working visit to Japan from Tuesday, May 29 to Friday, June 1. President Lugo will make a State Call on His Majesty the Emperor on May 30. Also on the same day, he will have a Summit Meeting as well as dinner with Prime Minister Noda. It is hoped that through his visit, bilateral relations make further progress, such as economic aspects including the improvement of the investment climate for the Japanese companies going into Paraguay’s market.

(3) Visit to Japan by H.E. Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Minister Gemba: From May 24 to May 26, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khar will visit Japan upon invitation by Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I will hold Japan-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with her on Friday, May 25. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Pakistan. Pakistan is a geopolitically important country as it lies at the core connecting the Middle East with Asia, and has a significant role in Afghanistan’s situation. We will exchange views on our cooperation regarding the regional and global issues, in addition to furtherance of the bilateral relations.

2. Question concerning Japan-China relations

Higashioka, Asahi Shimbun: The visit to Japan by Mr. Guo Boxiong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of China and the visit to Japan by Mr. Kim Kwan-jin, Minister of Defense of Korea were postponed. It is pointed out that the reason of the postponement might be the issue of the Senkaku Islands, the issue of Uygur, and the issue of comfort women.What is your view on these postponements? There is a view that, because of the postponements, Japan-China relations and Japan-Korea relations become strained or worsened. What do you think on that?

Minister Gemba: On the postponement of their visits to Japan, it is unfortunate. However, if my recollection is correct, I think that Vice-Chairman Guo also postponed his visit to the ROK. Therefore, I would like to refrain from making any comments on why it was postponed. I understand that it was basically a matter of scheduling. At any rate, relations with China and ROK or cooperation and exchange in the area of security are important matters. Therefore, we would like to persistently make efforts to enhance our relationship.

3. Question concerning the visit to Japan by Foreign Minister of Pakistan

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: Visit to Japan by Pakistani Foreign Minister – as you have pointed out, Pakistan is an important country for the stabilization of Afghanistan. But the relationship is strained, inclusive of the relationship with NATO. How will you work on in the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this time? How do you deem her visit in relation to the Tokyo Conference?

Minister Gemba: Indeed, Mr. Yokota is right. Pakistan is very important in relation to the situation in Afghanistan; Geopolitically, it is important. But at the same time, the constructive cooperation of Pakistan will be extremely important for the stabilisation of the situation in Afghanistan. Therefore, in that sense, of course it is relevant with the Tokyo Conference. I will ask Foreign Minister Khar for her attendance at the Tokyo Conference on July 8. Pakistan’s improvement of the relationship with the United States is very important, too. So, I think that, including this, I have to work on Foreign Minister Khar.

4. Question concerning Japan-China relations

Li, Hong-Kong Phoenix TV: On the other day, China’s high official stated to the visitor of Japanese side that the Diaoyu Islands, known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan, are the core interest. How do you view this remark? Do you think that Japan’s stance on the issue of the Diaoyu Islands, called the Senkaku Islands in Japan will become firmer?

Minister Gemba: The intention behind your question, Ms. Li, you are talking about some Chinese official’s remarks to a Japanese Diet member? Frankly speaking, I have not been informed of that matter. But, of course, any comments made by Chinese officials are being monitored very closely. However, needless to say, there exists no issue of territorial sovereignty to be resolved concerning the Senkaku Islands. The Senkaku Islands are inherent territories of Japan. I think Japan’s position that I always mention will not been affected at all.

5. Question concerning the Issue of Northern Territories

Sugimoto, Sankei Shimbun: On Northern Territories – Mr. Muneo Suzuki delivered a speech. He stated that joint economic activities in the Northern Territories should be conducted, and that unless it is implemented within the next six months, we would be too late.
What are your views with regards to Japan’s participation in the economic activities in the Northern Territories and call for promotion of such activities?

Minister Gemba: Mr. Sugimoto’s question is based on Mr. Muneo Suzuki’s remarks, but I am not aware of the speech. The gist of your question is perhaps the joint economic activities on the Four Northern Islands – if you are referring to that, it should not undermine the legal position of Japan. That is the only point I would like to mention here.

6. Question concerning the Hague Convention

Ikeda, Kyodo News: Regarding Hague Convention, –in the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting which you reported in the opening remarks, Secretary of State Clinton expressed her hope again. The Diet only has one month until the end of the session, but there is no prospect of committee deliberations. How do you see the situation? If this does not pass during this session, it may impact adversely Japan-U.S. relations, what is your view?

Minister Gemba: As you have rightly pointed out, she had touched upon the Hague Convention. I place importance on the Hague Convention as well, and that is why the Convention and the relevant bills have been submitted to the Diet. In principle, fundamentally, she had thanked me for presenting the submission of the bill to the Diet. Naturally, we are making our maximum efforts in order to make the bill pass at the current session of the Diet.

7. Question concerning the Situation in North Korea

Hirouchi, NHK: I have a question on the situation of North Korea. The Press Secretary of the Foreign Ministry of North Korea said that no military measure such as a nuclear test had been assumed. However, on the other hand, he also mentioned that they would have to take measures to respond if the United States continues to suppress North Korea. How do you accept this comment? Mr. Davies will be visiting Japan. How do you intend to promote cooperation with the United States and the ROK?

Minister Gemba: I read both that press report and a comment by the press secretary of North Korea. In a nutshell, I think that regarding the intention of North Korea, I should refrain from making any comments. It goes without saying that we are gathering information regarding North Korea, but it is a matter related to intelligence, so, regarding the intention as such, I do not think it is appropriate for me to make any comment. Of course, there are various observations and analyses – they are all possible. But in any event, we would like to continue to urge North Korea to take concrete actions, in cooperation with the U.S., the ROK, China, and Russia, including the sharing of information.

8. Question concerning Japan-China relations and Japan-ROK relations

Higashioka, Asahi Shimbun: To my earlier question, you said that regarding relations with China and Korea or security cooperation with these countries, you want to persistently advance that. Having said so – with China or with Korea – we have the issue of the Senkaku Islands and the issue of comfort women. Because of such historical and territorial issues, the enhancement of the bilateral relations is not making a smoother progress. With these historical and territorial issues, how are you going to advance?

Minister Gemba: What I mean by tenacious efforts is that, for example, under GSOMIA, I want to make fullest efforts to advance, however, my comments have remained cautious as the agreement has not been reached, as you know. In fact, within the ROK, there are people with various emotions because of the history lying behind. Therefore, by overcoming those aspects and, at the same time, trying to tenaciously explain that these are separate from cooperation in the area of security, and by so doing, we need to reinforce our cooperation. In fact, China and the ROK are neighboring countries. It needs not mentioning that they are important countries. All the countries do not necessarily have perfect relations with all their neighboring countries. Therefore, we need to continue to make efforts in order to overcome those challenges.

9. Questions concerning Situation in North Korea

Yokota, Mainichi Shimbun: Regarding the situation of North Korea, I think you mean that coordination among Japan, US, and the ROK is important. I believe you have had the intention to hold a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting between the participating countries. There will be the ASEAN related meetings in July. What are your prospects for the setting?

Minister Gemba: As I always say, I have not really referred to a Japan-U.S.-ROK foreign ministers’ meeting. Rather than that kind of set-up, what I think most important is working on China, which I concurred with Secretary Clinton this time. In other words, China should make strong approach to North Korea. So if Japan-U.S.-ROK goes much ahead of others, if there is certain distance vis-à-vis China and Russia, it is not necessarily favorable. So we need to consider those circumstances to make decision.

Saito, Kyodo News: This is a question regarding North Korea. It is a bit repetitive question. I understand this is a question of intelligence, so I will not pursue that. But, Is the possibility that North Korea will conduct a nuclear test heightened? It is the major concern of us in terms of security. What is the view of the government of Japan, comprehensively considering all kinds of information? Do you consider the likelihood is increasing? Also, in order to prevent North Korea from doing a nuclear test, Japan, the U.S. and the ROK have any concrete pathways?

Minister Gemba: I will repeat what I have already said. I do not think it is appropriate to make a remark in response to the Press Secretary’s comment, on whether the probability of further provocative actions such as a nuclear test is increasing or not. Information is being shared to a degree behind the scenes, and I have been telling you what I can disclose. As I shared the view with the United States, I believe most important point is how strong China can approach North Korea. Naturally, I am not sure whether that could be called as a road map, but of course, we are making such efforts.

10. Question concerning Japan-Russia relations

Hirouchi, NHK: About Russia – Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister Yamane will be visiting Russia from tomorrow. What kind of role are you expecting him to play? Therein after, you yourself or Prime Minister may visit Russia. What are the prospects of the visits, and how do you intend to reinforce the relations with Russia?

Minister Gemba: In relation with Russia, we would like to advance cooperation in all areas, as I have been always saying. At the same time, at all levels, we will pursue dialogue with Russia. His visit can be considered as a part of this approach. This time, territorial negotiation is not going to be conducted. We will start substantive discussions on territorial issues. But this time, the visit of Senior Vice-Minister is a part of creating an environment enabling that.

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