Press Conference31 May 2002

1. Visit by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the Republic of Korea for the opening of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan
2. Progress toward the salvage of the unidentified ship
3. Follow-up question on the salvage of the unidentified ship
4. Questions on the appointment of a new spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
5. Question concerning Japan-ROK cooperation on immigration matters
6. Questions with regard to the Foreign Ministry Reform Advisory Board

1. Visit by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the Republic of Korea for the opening of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan

   Assistant Press Secretary Daisuke Matsunaga: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has left Haneda for Seoul and will attend the opening ceremony of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan and watch the opening game between France and Senegal. Prime Minister Koizumi is scheduled to return to Haneda at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

   Related Information (Japan-Republic of Korea Relations)
   
2. Progress toward the salvage of the unidentified ship

   Mr. Matsunaga: Prime Minister Koizumi instructed Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi to negotiate with the Government of the People's Republic of China so that the unidentified ship can be raised before the typhoon season. We intend to coordinate with China on this salvage question in accordance with the Prime Minister's instruction. Today, our officials are in China to explain the findings of our recent investigation.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
3. Follow-up question on the salvage of the unidentified ship

   Q: Regarding the raising of the unidentified ship, when exactly does "before the typhoon season" mean?

   Mr. Matsunaga: It varies from year to year, of course, but we understand that in August, generally speaking, quite a few typhoons pass through the area in question. If we arrive at the conclusion that we are able to salvage the ship, the Maritime Safety Agency intends to start the salvage operation during the month of June. But we have to negotiate with the Chinese side, because it is within their exclusive economic zone.

   Related Information (Japan-China Relations)
   
4. Questions on the appointment of a new spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

   Q: There are some reports saying that there will be a new spokesman at the Foreign Ministry. Could you give more details about that?

   Mr. Matsunaga: I myself was informed of that news report yesterday by someone else. I am not ready to give you any detailed information about that. As a matter of fact, I have nothing more than the newspaper reports.

   Q: When is the appointment expected to take place?

   Mr. Matsunaga: As I said, I cannot go beyond what was in the newspaper reports, and the newspaper reports say that it will be around July, but I am not privy to the information.

5. Question concerning Japan-ROK cooperation on immigration matters

   Q: I understand that Korea and Japan are cooperating on immigration and have extended immigration visas for the World Cup. Do you have any information about this?

   Mr. Matsunaga: I will have to check, but it should be in effect already. There was some talk about the extension of the arrangements beyond the World Cup period. When Prime Minister Koizumi had a meeting with President Kim Dae-Jung when he visited the Republic of Korea, on 22 March, the leaders agreed that the two Governments would consult with each other about the visa extension arrangements beyond the World Cup period.

   Related Information (Japan-Republic of Korea Relations)
   
6. Questions with regard to the Foreign Ministry Reform Advisory Board

   Q: About the committee working on Foreign Ministry reform, are they still working, or have they finished their work?

   Mr. Matsunaga: I think they are still working.

   Q: When are their final conclusions expected?

   Mr. Matsunaga: In late July.