Press Conference, 5 February 2008

Statement on the recent suicide bomb attacks in the Republic of Iraq
Announcement of visits to Japan by foreign dignitaries
Statement on the Visegrad 4 + Japan workshop
Questions concerning the visit to Japan by Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Question concerning the intragovernmental discussions between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice regarding the possible Japanese-language proficiency requirements for foreigners

I. Statement on the recent suicide bomb attacks in the Republic of Iraq

Assistant Press Secretary Hiroshi Suzuki: Good afternoon. Thank you very much for coming.

I just recently took office as Assistant Press Secretary, and this is my first press conference.

At the beginning I have three announcements before I take your questions.

The first is on the consecutive suicide bomb attacks which took place in Baghdad on 1 February. Over the weekend, the Press Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued the statement on these attacks, from which I quote: "Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason, and Japan reiterates its firm condemnation of those atrocious acts of terrorism that victimize many innocent people. Japan expects ethnic and religious groups to show mutual respect and continue making efforts toward nation building while promoting national reconciliation. Japan will proactively support such efforts of Iraqi people."

Related Information (Press Release)

II. Announcement of visits to Japan by foreign dignitaries

Mr. Suzuki: The second announcement is on a number of incoming visits by foreign dignitaries.

Today, 5 February, we are welcoming three visitors. From the Republic of Albania, Prime Minister Sali Berisha will start his working visit to Japan and stay until Friday, 8 February. Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan will receive Prime Minister and Mrs. Berisha, and Prime Minister Fukuda will hold bilateral talks with his Albanian counterpart. This visit will be the first trip to Japan by an Albanian prime minister. We look to his visit as an occasion to further our bilateral relations with Albania.

From the Kingdom of Bahrain, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa will visit Japan until Sunday, 10 February. During his visit, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince will receive H.E. Shaikh Khalid, and Foreign Minister Koumura will hold bilateral talks with his Bahraini counterpart.

From the Islamic State of Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Dadfar Spanta is visiting Japan to participate in the meeting of the Afghanistan Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board or JCMB, which is being held in Tokyo from today, Tuesday, 5 February until 6 February. Japan is hosting this meeting to re-confirm the commitment of the international community to assist Afghanistan. In addition to Foreign Minister Koumura, the participants of this meeting consist of other foreign ministerial-level officials of the Government of Afghanistan including the Finance Minister, as well as officials at political director-level from 24 countries and international organizations engaged in the assistance to Afghanistan.

Tomorrow, 6 February, we will welcome Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. He will be visiting Japan upon the invitation of the Japanese Government until Sunday, 10 February. During his visit, His Majesty the Emperor will receive Prime Minister Juncker, and Prime Minister Fukuda will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Juncker.

III. Statement on the Visegrad 4 + Japan workshop

Mr. Suzuki: The third and last announcement is on the Visegrad 4 + Japan workshop. This workshop is hosted by Japan. It started yesterday, and will be held until Friday: that is, from 4 February until 8 February. At this workshop, officials in charge of development assistance from the Visegrad 4 countries, namely the Czech Republic, the Republic of Hungry, the Republic of Poland, and the Slovak Republic, and Japan will discuss the enhancement of cooperation between Japan and the Visegrad 4 countries.

IV. Questions concerning the visit to Japan by Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Q: Would you have the exact schedule of Prime Minister Juncker's visit?

Mr. Suzuki: I only have an outline of his schedule. He will be visiting from Wednesday, 6 February until Sunday, 10 February. In addition to the meetings I referred to, he will also be having meetings with Mr. Kono, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and also Speaker Eda of the House of Councilors. Also, since Prime Minister Juncker has concurrent jurisdiction as Finance Minister of Luxembourg, he is scheduled to attend the G7 meeting of finance ministers and central bankers, which is scheduled for Wednesday, 9 February.

Q: When will Prime Minister Fukuda have talks with him?

Mr. Suzuki: At this stage I do not have a concrete schedule. (Note: The two Prime Ministers are scheduled to meet on Thursday, 7 February.)

Related Information (Press Release)

V. Question concerning the intragovernmental discussions between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice regarding the possible Japanese-language proficiency requirements for foreigners

Q: Can you update us on the discussions between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice regarding the possible Japanese-language proficiency requirements for foreigners, and can you clarify what exactly is the purpose of this ambitious plan, and which groups of foreigners are actually being targeted?

Mr. Suzuki: I will look into this and get back to you.

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