(* 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 Fumio Kishida
Date: Wednesday, January 9, 2013, 0:15 a.m.
Place: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Main topics:
- Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ telephone talks, visit to the United States, the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States
1. Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ telephone talks, visit to the United States, the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States
Ohtani, NHK: You mentioned that the Japan-U.S. Alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomacy. Were there any discussions on any response measures against China’s moves such as its maritime expansion?
Minister Kishida: We discussed that it would be important for Japan and the United States to closely coordinate on various issues such as Middle East situations, North Korean issues and diplomatic relations with China. Secretary Clinton mentioned various issues or challenges occurring worldwide show the importance of Japan-U.S. relations. On that, I agreed.
Ohtani, NHK: Are there any plans for a meeting with U.S. Senator John Kerry, nominee for Secretary of State?
Minister Kishida: On that case, nothing has been determined at this point. For now, I was invited by Secretary Clinton today and would hold a meeting with the incumbent Secretary of State of the United States. That is all.
Ohtani, NHK: It is said that Mr. Chikao Kawai, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, currently visiting the United States, was told by the U.S. side that it would be difficult to hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting by the end of this month. If so, as Prime Minister Abe’s U.S. visit by the end of the month is difficult, does the Foreign Minister’s visit aim to enhance Japan-U.S. Alliance?
Minister Kishida: Prime Minister’s visit to the United States is still under coordination. Actually, due to various schedule-related issues on the U.S. side, such as the fiscal cliff issue, the State of the Union Address and the presidential inauguration, there are difficulties in such coordination and nothing has been determined yet. Amid such conditions, since I was invited by Secretary Clinton on a specific schedule, we believe it is important to confirm the enhancement of Japan-U.S. Alliance by fully capitalizing occasions like that.
Ohtani, NHK: As the Prime Minister’s visit cannot be fixed, do you personally hope that your early visit will work to strengthen the alliance?
Minister Kishida: I think it is important to confirm our collaboration at various levels and so I believe I must make efforts at my level also. My visit is part of such efforts.
Nishikawa, TBS: What will you discuss with Secretary Clinton at the meeting in Washington DC, other than the enhancement of the Japan-U.S. Alliance?
Minister Kishida: The agenda is broad and various topics can be envisaged. In today’s teleconference also, Secretary Clinton spoke in a very motivated tone. She also stated that she was looking forward to discussing a wide range of topics. I expect that we will exchange opinions not only on issues related to the Asia-Pacific region but also on issues of the Middle East and other regions.
Nishikawa, TBS: Will the realignment of U.S. Forces in Okinawa be on the agenda?
Minister Kishida: I imagine those topics may be included in the agenda.
Sugimoto, Sankei: Did Secretary Clinton comment on Prime Minister Abe’s visit to the U.S., such as it may be difficult to realize the visit by the end of the month or by realized specific timing?
Minister Kishida: Secretary Clinton commented on the importance of the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States. However, she did not make any specific comments on the date over the phone. She just mentioned that she hoped to firstly hold talks with me on January 18th.
Yoshida, Nishinippon: Secretary Clinton will be leaving office soon. What is the significance of holding a Foreign Ministers’ meeting before the beginning of the second term of President Obama’s administration?
Minister Kishida: It is true that Secretary Clinton will be stepping down, but I’m sure she will remain one of the most influential people in the U.S. political circle, and when we consider the sense of unity with the Government of the United States, I think it is very meaningful to exchange opinions with Ms. Clinton, the incumbent U.S. Secretary of State. I think accumulating such efforts is very important.
Matsuura, Yomiuri: What topics do you think will be meaningful to discuss for the enhancement of the Japan-U.S. Alliance? Is the issue of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) included in those topics?
Minister Kishida: I assume that there will also be references to the TPP, and I think it is very important to exchange opinions frankly on all the topics, including those, with the aim of confirming the ideas of both sides and utilizing such exchanges as reference for future exchanges between Japan and the U.S.
Nishikawa, TBS: Just for confirmation – January 18, is this U.S. time?
Minister Kishida: Yes, January 18, U.S. time.
Kageyama, Mainichi: How many days do you plan to visit? Will you visit only the U.S.?
Minister Kishida: For now, I would like to set a firm schedule for my visit to Washington DC on January 18th. I was just invited during my telephone conversation and I have accepted the invitation, but nothing has been determined yet other than that.
Matsumoto, Jiji Press: You stated that you shared the view with Secretary Clinton that you will work to realize the Prime Minister’s U.S. visit at an early date. Does this mean that the Japanese side aims to realize the visit within February?
Minister Kishida: We are currently coordinating the visit and have not changed our intention to realize the visit at an early date. It is still under coordination.
Matsumoto, Jiji Press: Do you mean by the end of January when you say “at an early date”?
Minister Kishida: I mean as early as possible.
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