Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 26 August 2010

1. The Flood Disaster in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Dispatch of a Japan Disaster Relief Team [SDF Unit])
2. Visit to India and the Kingdom of Thailand by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs
3. Statement by the Press Secretary on the terrorist attack in Somalia
4. The 22nd United Nations Conference on Disarmament Issues in Saitama
5. Third Japan-China High-Level Dialogue and visit to the People's Republic of China and Mongolia by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs
6. VIP Visits
7. Question concerning the Japan-India civilian nuclear pact
8. Questions concerning Kim Jong-Il's visit to China
9. Question concerning the SDF helicopter dispatch to Pakistan
10. Question concerning the report by experts on the US-Japan negotiations on the Futenma relocation plan

The Flood Disaster in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Dispatch of a Japan Disaster Relief Team [SDF Unit])

Deputy Press Secretary Hidenobu Sobashima: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. I have several topics to share with you before inviting your questions.

First we distributed a paper entitled the Flood Disaster in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Dispatch of a Japan Disaster Relief Team [SDF Unit]). In addition to the humanitarian assistance worth, in total, approximately 14.4 million USD, as you notice, on August 19 the Government of Japan decided to dispatch helicopters for relief operations. The government decided to send three transportation helicopters and three multi-purpose helicopters and for the operation, about 200 people as members of a SDF unit. These helicopters are being carried by C-130 aircraft and we expect that in a matter of several hours, the first aircraft will arrive in the destination, that is, Multan of Punjab Province, Pakistan. So this is the first topic.

Visit to India and the Kingdom of Thailand by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr. Sobashima: Secondly, we only distributed the schedule of Foreign Minister Okada to visit India and Thailand. He in fact visited India and Thailand from August 20 to August 24. In India, he participated in the fourth Japan-India Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue with External Affairs Minister Krishna of India. He also paid a courtesy call on Dr. Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister of India. Let me explain a little bit about what was actually discussed.

In the Foreign Ministers' meeting in India, the two ministers discussed economic relations, and Minister Okada suggested that perhaps the two countries may have ministerial-level economic dialogue. The Indian side responded positively that they would consider it. As for the economic partnership agreement under negotiation between the two countries, both sides expressed the hope that by the time Prime Minister Singh will visit Japan later this year, the two countries will conclude the agreement.

As for civil nuclear cooperation, Foreign Minister Okada explained that the decision to go ahead with the negotiation with India on the peaceful use of nuclear energy was the most difficult decision he made since he assumed the post of Foreign Minister. He made it clear that should India conduct another nuclear test, Japan would not be able to cooperate with India on nuclear energy. He requested that India continue honoring the commitment in the field of nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.

The two ministers also discussed the reform of the UN Security Council and they agreed to cooperate with each other to promote the reform.

In his courtesy call on the Indian Prime Minister, Minister Okada also referred to the three issues, economic relations, civil nuclear cooperation, as well as the UN Security Council reform.

As for Minister Okada's visit to Thailand, he of course had a meeting with the Thai Foreign Minister and he also paid a courtesy call on Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand. In the Foreign Ministers' meeting, Minister Okada said that this was the first visit of a Japanese Foreign Minister to Thailand after a five-year interval, that he should have come earlier, and that the two countries should exercise leadership in the region on the matters of ASEAN and also the regional matters of Asia.

With respect to the incident of Mr. Muramoto's death in April, Minister Okada explained that the Japanese have a very keen interest on this issue and he asked about the current situation of the investigation on the death of Mr. Muramoto. The Thai Foreign Minister responded that they took the issue very seriously, especially the death of foreigners, and the government is making the best efforts for the progress of the investigation. However, he added that there is lack of certain information and evidence and it was not easy for the Thai side to pursue the investigation. In any event, the Thai side assured the Japanese side that they would continue to make their best efforts.

The two Ministers also discussed the business environment, particularly for Japanese companies in Thailand, and also the international situation. Again, the two Ministers discussed the UN Security Council reform. Minister Okada explained that it was important for the legitimacy of the United Nations as well as for the benefit of Asia to expand the UN Security Council. The Thai Minister responded that he supported that Japan should play a greater role in the international community for both the benefit of Asia and of the world.

They discussed the issue of Myanmar. Foreign Minister Okada said that the Myanmar government announced that there will be general elections to be held on November 7. However, because of the current situation, if the elections are conducted, the elections should not be regarded as fair, free, and inclusive elections. Therefore Japan would urge the Myanmar side to improve the situation. The Thai Minister welcomed the announcement of the general elections as a first step for the diversity of the political parties, among others. However, in order for the elections to be credible, the release of political prisoners, among others, was important, and the Thai government also intended to explain this to the Myanmar side.

Before having the Foreign Minister's meeting, Minister Okada visited the place where it is believed that Mr. Muramoto was killed. He laid a wreath and he observed a minute of silence at the place. He visited the sites of Japan's economic cooperation and he met Japanese business men in Bangkok. This is the second topic.

Statement by the Press Secretary on the terrorist attack in Somalia

Mr. Sobashima: Thirdly, we have distributed a statement from the Press Secretary on the terrorist attack in Somalia. We condemn the terrorist attack and express our deepest condolences to those who have been killed and injured.

The 22nd United Nations Conference on Disarmament Issues in Saitama

Mr. Sobashima: Next, we did not distribute the paper, but I would like to draw your attention that from yesterday August 25 until August 27, tomorrow, we have a United Nations conference on the disarmament issues entitled, A Nuclear-Weapon-Free World: Making Steady Progress from Vision to Action, in Saitama City, with the participation of UN officials and also representatives of a number of governments. Yesterday, State Secretary Takemasa made the welcoming remarks and of course, Saitama City Mayor, Mr. Shimizu stated the opening remarks.

We have such participants as Ambassador Cabactulan, who was president of the 2010 NPT Review Conference, from the Philippines, and representatives from Australia, the United States, Indonesia, Switzerland, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Korea, China, Iran, and India, among others. This is the fourth topic.

Third Japan-China High-Level Dialogue and visit to the People's Republic of China and Mongolia by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Mr. Sobashima: The fifth topic, we distributed a paper entitled, Third Japan-China High-Level Dialogue and Visit to the People's Republic of China and Mongolia by Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs. The third Japan-China High-level Economic Dialogue and related events will be held in Beijing, China on August 28, that is the coming Saturday, and 29, the coming Sunday. At the dialogue, the Japanese side will be chaired by Minister Okada, and the Chinese side by Mr. Wang Qishan, Vice Premier of the State Council. These are the heads of the two delegations and the dialogue will be attended by the relevant Ministers. The participants are expected to exchange views on various issues including the global economy, Japan-China economic relations, and global and regional economic issues. On this occasion, Mr. Okada will visit China bilaterally and also Mongolia. He will return after his visits to the two countries are concluded.

VIP Visits

Mr. Sobashima: And finally, information on the visits. State Secretary Fujimura will be heading a Public and Private Sector Joint Mission for Promoting Trade and Investment to Africa of about 60 people, to South Africa, Angola, and Namibia, from August 27 to September 4.

In addition to the Spanish Prime Minister, which we already announced earlier, we will also have the Foreign Minister from Spain, Mr. Miguel Angel Moratinos, in Japan from August 31 until September 2. So these are the topics and information I would like to share and I invite your questions please.

Question concerning the Japan-India civilian nuclear pact

Q: I have a question about the Japan-India civilian nuclear pact. Mr. Okada explained to the Indian side that Japan would stop cooperation with India if there is a nuclear test. I understand there is an existing civilian nuclear pact between India and the United States. I think that pact does not have a clause about if India conducts a nuclear test, what the United States will do. Technically speaking, is it possible to include such a clause in negotiating the civilian nuclear pact between Japan and India?

Mr. Sobashima: First, I would like to explain to you that there are two elements that Foreign Minister Okada explained to his Indian counterpart. The first is that the intention of Japan to suspend cooperation should India conduct a new nuclear test. This is the first thing. The other thing is that the Japanese side expects India's continued efforts for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. On this, Foreign Minister Okada requested India to consider this idea, he said idea or philosophy, be reflected in the actual agreement. However, it is up to the negotiation between the two countries how we will be able to include this idea in the agreement and how we would agree on the text. Of course, what the Foreign Minister stated should be taken very seriously, but how we will be able to incorporate in the text, in what way, that is up to the negotiation between the two countries.

Questions concerning Kim Jong-Il's visit to China

Q: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il is secretly visiting China from Tuesday morning. A Korean news agency reported this. Did you confirm if this is true?

Mr. Sobashima: I understand that the Chief Cabinet Secretary, in his morning press conference, stated that he knew that there was a report that Mr. Kim Jong-Il visited China. However, we only have come across such a report or information. He said that we were interested, of course, in such kind of development and we would make efforts to collect further information and find out what has happened and what will be happening.

Q: Now still unconfirmed?

Mr. Sobashima: I think yes. We are in the process of collecting further information.

Question concerning the SDF helicopter dispatch to Pakistan

Q: Regarding the SDF helicopter dispatch to Pakistan, I heard there was a report that Pakistan is really in need of helicopters, and in total, 40 helicopters or more are needed. Is there a possibility that Japan will increase the number of helicopters to dispatch to Pakistan in the future?

Mr. Sobashima: First, we have decided to send three helicopters for carrying goods and three units of multi-purpose helicopters with about 200 personnel. Therefore, first, we hope those helicopters and personnel will be utilized fully. Beyond that, of course, we will monitor the situation. Then we would consider whether our assistance is doing well or additional consideration is necessary. I would like to refrain from responding to your question indicating a certain direction. What we should do at this moment is to concentrate on implementing what we planned with these helicopters and personnel.

Question concerning the report by experts on the US-Japan negotiations on the Futenma relocation plan

Q: I have another question on the US-Japan ongoing negotiations between experts on the Futenma relocation plan. I think the deadline was the end of August. Then I think someone indicated that possibly, the report of the experts may be released in September. Maybe the negotiations will end at the end of August and then the report will be published in September. How is the situation of the report compiled by the experts? Will that be released by the end of August or in September?

Mr. Sobashima: I would like to refrain from commenting on such kind of timeline. The government officials already explained that we would consider making the report public. However, further than that, I would like to refrain from commenting, because when the decision is made it will be announced. Pending that decision, I would like to refrain from commenting.

Thank you very much.