Press Conference 11 January 2002

1. Announcement on the temporary relocation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
2. Question regarding Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's trip to Southeast Asia
3. Questions concerning the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan
4. Question regarding a senior officials meeting between the Japanese Government, the Government of the People's Republic of China, and the Government of the Republic of Korea

1. Announcement on the temporary relocation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

   Deputy Press Secretary Joji Hisaeda: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen.

   I have no announcements except to say that this will be my last press conference in this room due to the temporary relocation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As all of you are aware, most offices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will relocate to Sumitomo Real Estate Shiba Koen Tower, which is located a few kilometers southeast of Kasumigaseki. You can see our web site for the details. The new temporary press conference room will be located on floor 15 of the new building. Most importantly, all switchboard numbers and respective extension numbers will remain the same.

2. Question regarding Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's trip to Southeast Asia

   Q: Regarding Prime Minister Koizumi's policy speech in Singapore next Monday, how specific a vision do you think he is going to layout for Japan's model for future East Asian cooperation? Can you speculate at all?

   Mr. Hisaeda: I do not think Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's speech to be delivered on 14 January has been finalized, and I have not seen the text. I imagine, from what Prime Minister Koizumi has said, both in the Republic of the Philippines and Malaysia, that will probably be along the following lines: the ultimate goal of Japan for the region will be to create comprehensive economic partnerships, in which all member countries will act together and advance together.

   The main pillars or areas for cooperation will be the advancement of reform, stabilization of the region, and cooperation for the future. In relation to the possibility of free trade agreements with Southeast Asian countries, which many of you may have an interest in, it is of course important to cooperate in the new round of the World Trade Organization (WTO). However, at the same time broader economic relationships must be strengthened beyond just trade and investment into such areas as science, technology, human resource development, tourism, and so on. Judging from what was stated at the respective summit meetings in the Philippines and Malaysia, I do not think that Prime Minister Koizumi has the intention to set any time limitations. Prime Minister Koizumi hopes this idea will be discussed at the next Japan-Association for Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit Meeting.

   Q: Do you think that has broadly satisfied the leaders that have been met so far? Or were they looking for something more specific?

   Mr. Hisaeda: I am not certain to what extent the leaders that Prime Minister Koizumi has met so far were satisfied with the proposal. But, I know for a fact that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines clearly stated her support for the proposal. Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia welcomed the proposal but stressed the importance of ASEAN+3 as the forum for future cooperation.

   Related Information (Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Visit to the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore)
   
3. Questions concerning the reconstruction of Afghanistan and the International Conference on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan

   Q: Can you bring us up to date and tell us more about the Afghan aid conference? Were there specific areas the countries will be looking into?

   Mr. Hisaeda: Yes, certainly. First, this conference is intended to create opportunities for the international community to show their full support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan and to lay the foundation for peace and stability. It is hoped that this will send a strong message to the international community and the people of Afghanistan that the international community, as a whole, strongly supports reconstruction, peace, and stability in Afghanistan.

   This conference is focused on reconstruction issues; the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Asian Development Bank (ADB) are undertaking a needs assessment to be finalized and made available before the conference. Based on the assessment, the whole international community is expected to take a further step forward in Tokyo by showing concrete and positive measures for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

   In other words, it is not a pledging conference but a needs finding conference, so to speak. This conference will be based on the agreements reached in Bonn and intends to enhance the people of Afghanistan's resolve to achieve political stability in Afghanistan. For this reason, an invitation was extended to the leaders of Afghanistan's interim authority to attend the conference. So far it is expected that more than 50 countries and international organizations will take part in this conference.

   Q: There has been a suggestion that it will take US$20 billion. Is there any figure in mind?

   Mr. Hisaeda: Of course figures are being studied, but it is premature to comment on exact numbers.

   Q: Given the present state of Japan's finances and economy, will Japan be prepared to fully participate in the Afghani program?

   Mr. Hisaeda: I am not sure your exact meaning of "fully participate," but in spite of current financial challenges, the Japanese Government will play an important role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and will make a substantial contribution in accordance with its responsibilities.

   Q: I am asking about the delegations to the conference. How many ministers will attend? Is Colin Powell going to attend?

   Mr. Hisaeda: Yes, I understand that the State Department of the United States announced that Secretary of State Colin Powell is attending this conference, but I have no finalized number of ministerial level representatives attending this conference.

   Q: Will Mr. Annan come?

   Mr. Hisaeda: There was a report in that regard, but I have no confirmation as to whether it is true at this time.

   Q: Will Prime Minister Koizumi open the conference?

   Mr. Hisaeda: I cannot confirm this at this time, but hopefully Prime Minister Koizumi will open the conference. In the ordinary course of events, when Japan holds such important conferences, it is customary for the Prime Minister to give an opening speech.

   Q: You mentioned approximately 50 countries would attend and the purpose of the conference. Is it possible to get text information about this conference?

   Mr. Hisaeda: I do not know if anything is available, but I can check on your behalf.

   Related Information (International Conference on the Reconstruction of Afghanistan)
   
4. Question regarding a senior officials meeting between the Japanese Government, the Government of the People's Republic of China, and the Government of the Republic of Korea

   Q: I understand there is a meeting of senior officials from Japan, China, and South Korea taking place in Tokyo next week, possibly Wednesday, to discuss ideas for economic cooperation. Can you talk a bit about what they will be discussing, as well as the timing? Is it deliberately timed to coincide with Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to Southeast Asia?

   Mr. Hisaeda: I do not have the details of the meeting you have just mentioned.

   Q: I am reading from a Reuters report quoting a "Foreign Ministry Official" saying so.

   Mr. Hisaeda: I am not sure if the timing has anything to do with Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to ASEAN countries.

   Q: Do you know what kind of cooperation they will be discussing?

   Mr. Hisaeda: There are many issues and agenda items between the three countries such as trade, investment, economic reforms, and each position heading into the new round of WTO talks. However, I have no details on what the exact agenda items are.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   Related Information (Japan-Republic of Korea Relations)