Press Conference 8 February 2002

1. Announcement concerning emergency assistance for earthquake disaster in Turkey
2. Questions on a visit to Japan by President George W. Bush of the United States of America
3. Question concerning reaction to advice regarding the state of the Japanese economy
4. Questions on the Japanese Government's view of President Bush's classification of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq, and North Korea

1. Announcement concerning emergency assistance for earthquake disaster in Turkey

   Deputy Press Secretary Joji Hisaeda: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have an announcement to make today on emergency assistance for Turkey, which has suffered a major earthquake. On 8 February, the Government of Japan decided to extend emergency assistance (grant aid) of US$200,000 to the Government of the Republic of Turkey, which has sustained great damage caused by an earthquake. The Government of Japan decided to extend this emergency assistance from a humanitarian viewpoint, taking into account the scale of the disaster and the long-standing friendly relationship between Japan and Turkey. That is the only announcement, and I would be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have.

   Related Information (Japan-Turkey Relations)
   
2. Questions on a visit to Japan by President George W. Bush of the United States of America

   Q: We are waiting for the very important visit to Tokyo, Japan by President Bush ten days from now. I would like some details about the visit. I would like to write about this.

   Mr. Hisaeda: First, as was announced already, President George W. Bush of the United States will visit Japan from 17 February to 19 February. The precise itinerary has not been fixed yet.

   I do not have detailed agenda items of the Summit Meeting, but I think I can tell you that both leaders will discuss bilateral issues, the international situation, regional problems, the world economy, and some global issues. I think bilateral issues include Japan-US security arrangements and economic issues. I am quite certain that Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi is going to explain his efforts for structural reform and boosting the economy. The International situation includes the People's Republic of China, the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East, and some other areas of mutual concern. And as for the world economy, I am sure they will discuss the World Trade Organization (WTO)--the new round of the WTO. And as for global issues, there are many items, such as the common fight against terrorism, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction, the environment, and so on. But, I do not have detailed, fixed agenda items yet.

   Q: So, if you have this would you send it please?

   Mr. Hisaeda: Yes, if something becomes available, I will make it available, and if possible we will try to make some arrangements for a special briefing for you.

   Q: There has been some report that Mr. Bush would address the Upper House of the Diet.

   Mr. Hisaeda: That might be one of the possibilities, but it is not fixed.

   Related Information (Visit to Japan of His Excellency George Walker Bush, President of the United States of America, and Mrs. Laura Welch Bush)
   
3. Question concerning reaction to advice regarding the state of the Japanese economy

   Q: I have another question. It seems likely that the United States will put some pressure on Japan concerning the economic situation. My question is, are people willing to take this continuing advice? It seems to me that everybody comes here and tells Japan what to do. But how do you react to that?

   Mr. Hisaeda: Well, the United States and Japan are the two largest economies in the world, and I believe it is quite natural for the United States to have concern or interest in Japan's economy. So, it is quite natural that economics will be one of the most important agenda items between the two leaders.

   Related Information (Japanese Economy)
   
4. Questions on the Japanese Government view of President Bush's classification of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Iraq, and North Korea

   Q: I am wondering about the policy of Japan regarding President Bush's presentation of Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. He described this as an axis of evil; do you share this same classification?

   Mr. Hisaeda: We take President Bush's strong words as an expression of his or the United States' concern over the development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction by the North Koreans. However, naturally we do not share exactly the same classification as the United States. But while recognizing that difficult issues on security and humanitarian fronts exist in relation to North Korea, Japan always tries to maintain close consultation with the United States and the Republic of Korea in dealing with the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Japan is trying to tackle the issue of normalization of the relationship between Japan and North Korea and to resolve all the related problems.

   Q: How about Iran and Iraq?

   Mr. Hisaeda: I think, and as I said, we do not share exactly the same classification. But of course we have some concern if there is any connection relating to terrorism and those countries. And we maintain close contact with the United States on the issue of terrorism.

   Q: So, are you going to try to convince President Bush during his visit to Japan that this classification is not conducive to Japan's desire to have talks with North Korea and tackle the situation rather than engage in confrontation?

   Mr. Hisaeda: First of all, I do not think it is meaningful to classify our attitude toward North Korea one way or another. We try to help the North Koreans to be constructive for peace and stability in the region, and I do not believe the purpose of President Bush's visit to Japan is to persuade us into sharing the same classification of North Korea.

   What is most important for both countries is to exchange views and maintain close consultation on the international situation in the Asia-Pacific region. Thank you very much.