Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 17 February 2011

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 17 February 2011

  1. Visit by Mr. Kim Sung-hwan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, to Japan
  2. The New Era: Japan-Korea Collaboration for the Future
  3. Japan-Russia relations
  4. Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
  5. Ministerial Meeting of the G4 Countries (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan) Joint Press Statement
  6. Disclosure of Diplomatic Records
  7. VIP Visits
  8. Questions concerning Takeshima
  9. Questions concerning the Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
  10. Question concerning the Northern Territories
  11. Question concerning incidents surrounding the Japanese Embassy in Moscow
  12. Question concerning the Senkaku Islands

  1. Visit by Mr. Kim Sung-hwan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, to Japan

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

    Mr. Sobashima: The first is the visit of Mr. Kim Sung-hwan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea (ROK), to Japan. Yesterday evening Mr. Kim Sung-hwan had a meeting with Minister Maehara, our Minister for Foreign Affairs. First the two foreign ministers had a small group meeting for about 30 minutes. The two ministers discussed the issue of North Korea. Foreign Minister Maehara explained that Japan attaches importance to the coordination and consultation between Japan and the ROK and also trilateral consultations between Japan, the ROK and the United States. Minister Kim Sung-hwan explained to Minister Maehara the recent dialogue between the ROK and the DPRK at the military official level. As for the dialogue with North Korea, Minister Maehara said the dialogue should first take place between the ROK and North Korea and we should urge North Korea to take concrete actions. Minister Kim Sung-hwan said that if there is progress in the North-South dialogues, then perhaps these may lead to dialogues between North Korea and the United States, Japan and North Korea, and perhaps eventually it may be possible to resume the Six Party Talks. As for the uranium enrichment activity by North Korea, the two ministers agreed that this violates the relevant Security Council resolutions and the Six Party Talks Joint Statement. They agreed on the need for the international community to urge North Korea to take positive actions. In this regard too, the two ministers confirmed that Japan, the ROK and the United States have a common understanding. The two ministers agreed on the importance of having exchanges with China and Russia on this issue. Minister Maehara reiterated the importance of the efforts to resolve the abduction issue and Minister Kim Sung-hwan expressed his understanding and his intention to cooperate with Japan on this issue. The latter part of the ministerial meeting was in the form of a plenary meeting which lasted about 35 minutes and the main issue was the bilateral relationship between Japan the ROK. Minister Maehara welcomed Minister Kim Sung-hwan, as this is his first visit to Japan, although the two ministers have had meetings every month. Minister Kim Sung-hwan expressed his appreciation that the current relationship between the two countries is very good and he is ready to discuss with Minister Maehara how to further promote a future-oriented bilateral relationship. Minister Maehara reiterated the invitation to President Lee Myung-bak to visit Japan and the two ministers agreed to consult each other for the timing for the visit. The two ministers agreed on the cooperation at the leaders' level as well as the foreign ministers' level for trilateral meetings of Japan, the ROK and China, to be hosted by Japan this year. As for the EPA between Japan and the ROK, the two ministers agreed on the importance of resuming the negotiations, and the two ministers agreed to make efforts for progress to this end. There was a discussion about support for cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries. As for the dialogue and cooperation on security issues, Minister Maehara explained his intention that in considering this, the Japanese side will pay due attention to the wishes and the views of the Korean side. As for the follow up of the Prime Minister's statement issued last August, Minister Kim Sung-hwan expressed his hope for follow-up activities by Japan and Minister Maehara explained his intention to make efforts for the early transfer of the precious archives. As for Takeshima, Minister Maehara explained Japan's position on the issue. As for the climate change issue, they exchanged views and agreed to cooperate with each other. Minister Kim Sung-hwan expressed progress on the issue of foreigners' participation in local government elections in Japan. This is just a summary of the discussion held between the two ministers of Japan and the ROK.

  2. The New Era: Japan-Korea Collaboration for the Future

    3. Mr. Sobashima: We have distributed a paper entitled The New Era: Japan-Korea Collaboration for the Future. The Government of Japan and the Japan Foundation plans, with the cooperation of the Korean Government and entities, particularly the Korea Foundation, to conduct various cultural events in the ROK, this month and next month, from February to Match. Friday last week, i.e. 11 February the opening ceremony for the whole series of cultural events entitled the New Era: Japan-Korea Collaboration for the Future was held on the occasion of the opening of one of the 14 events, that is WA, the third in the exhibition section of the paper we have distributed: the spirit of harmony and Japanese design today. The ceremony was attended by the presidents of the Japan Foundation and the Korea Foundation, the Ambassador of Japan, senior officials of the Korean Government, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others. So about 150 people attended this ceremony. In this WA exhibition, 161 pieces of Japanese product design will be exhibited. The exhibition will continue until 19 March. There are not only exhibitions but also performing arts programs, cinema, youth education programs, symposia, and a Japan Day event. So in total 14 events will be held. We hope these events will contribute to further enhancing the future-oriented relationship between the two countries.

  3. Japan-Russia relations

    4. Mr. Sobashima: We have distributed an outline of the memorandum regarding the 9th Japan-Russia Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Issues. As you know Foreign Minister Maehara visited the Russian Federation on 11 and 12 February. The two foreign ministers, Minister Maehara and Minister Lavrov agreed that the two countries should enhance relations in various fields including politics, which includes the territorial issue, economy, cultural activities, and cooperation in international fora, among others.  As a result of the meeting between Minister Maehara and Minister Khristenko, the Minister of Trade and Industry of the Russian Federation this memorandum was released. On paragraph one it says that both sides agreed to hold an economic round-table meeting in Russia this year, with participation of the co-chairs of the intergovernmental committee, that is Minister Maehara and Minister Khristenko, and business representatives, among others. On paragraph two you recognize the specific projects that the two governments intend to support the business sectors of both countries. On paragraph three it says that both sides express their expectation for the early entry into force of the Japan-Russia Nuclear Energy Agreement. On paragraph four, sub paragraph one, it explains the designation of contact persons for inquiries and consultations for the purpose of promotion of trade and investment for the two countries. Deputy Minister Nishimiya and Deputy Minister Slevnev were designated.

    On Japan-Russia relations, we heard reports that Foreign Minister Lavrov had said something like, "If Japan will not do what other countries have already done, that is to accept the results of WW II, there will be no other ways." Japan's position is that the Northern Territories are an inherent part of Japan. The statement that as result of WW II, the Northern Territories have become part of the territory of Russia is inconsistent with Japan's position.  While we admit that there is a large gap between the positions of Japan and Russia, what is important is that, as agreed in the Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers' Meeting on 11 February, Japan and Russia persistently continue negotiations in a quiet atmosphere for the purpose of resolving the territorial issue and concluding a peace agreement, based on the agreements and documents established between the two countries. Last Tuesday evening in Moscow, a group of about seven people burnt a national flag of Japan in front of the Embassy of Japan, and threw eggs at the glass of a guard station of the Embassy of Japan. The Embassy of Japan expressed regret to the Government of the Russian Federation, and requested appropriate action on this, as well as its efforts to prevent the recurrence of such an incident. So these were about the relationship between Japan and Russia.

  4. Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

    5. Mr. Sobashima: Next we have distributed documents on the Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). As you know Minister Maehara upholds economic diplomacy as the highest agenda of his diplomatic efforts. We certainly welcome this signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the Republic of India. As we distributed some explanatory sheets, the significance of the Japan-India CEPA is evident. For India, for example, it would ensure access to the Japanese economy, that is 5 trillion USD in GDP. For Japan, more trading opportunities in India. For example in trading goods, about 94% of the tariffs between Japan and India will be eliminated within 10 years. We already have 11 EPAs. The EPA for Japan is effective with the 10 countries and ASEAN already. These EPAs are already effective. However, we have only signed the EPA with India so we need to complete the procedure for ratifying this agreement. Therefore it is not yet effective, however we hope for the early entry into force of this EPA. On page three, for India, exportation of those products, farm products, forest products, and marine products, the tariffs in Japan will be eliminated in accordance with the schedule for each product. For example durian, the tariff of 2.5% will be eliminated upon the entry into force of this agreement. We have just some examples of these. For Japan, on the next page, car parts, specifically car mufflers, the Indian tariff is 10% for Japanese exporters, but this tariff will be eliminated in 10 years. For steel-related products, the 5% tariff will be eliminated in five years. For DVD players, video cameras, those electric and electronic appliances, the 10% tariff will be eliminated in 10 years. So these are the examples of the benefits of this CEPA.

  5. Ministerial Meeting of the G4 Countries (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan) Joint Press Statement

    6. Mr. Sobashima: We have distributed a paper entitled Ministerial Meeting of the G4 countries (Brazil, Germany, India and Japan) Joint Press Statement. I will explain only parts of this. On paragraph three it says that "The G4 countries reiterated their commitments as aspiring new permanent members of the UN Security Council, as well as their support for each other's candidatures. The G4 countries also reaffirmed their views of the importance of Africa to be represented in the permanent membership of an enlarged council. In paragraph four, on the third line, it says "The Ministers stressed that the ongoing intergovernmental negotiations made it clear that the overwhelming majority of the Member States support expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of the Security Council membership, as well as increased representation of developing countries in both." Paragraph five said that they hope for concrete outcomes in the current UN General Assembly. In the final paragraph, paragraph seven it says that they "agreed to meet again within the coming quarter to review progress on the decisions taken."

  6. Disclosure of Diplomatic Records

    7. Mr. Sobashima: Finally, tomorrow we will be disclosing 606 files of diplomatic records in the Diplomatic Record Office. We have disclosed files from July last year, as a result of the consideration of a group headed by the Parliamentary Vice-Minister. The first disclosure of 37 files on July was a result of the consideration of the group headed by then Parliamentary Vice-Minister Nishimura, followed by the consideration of the group headed by Parliamentary Vice-Minister Yamahana. 582 files in November and 291 files in December last year. So already about 900 files of diplomatic records were disclosed. As a result of the meeting of the group headed by Parliamentary Vice-Minister Yamahana in December last year, we will be disclosing 606 files of diplomatic records tomorrow. So these are the topics.

  7. VIP Visits

    8. Mr. Sobashima: As for visits, the Finance Minister of East Timor is in town. The Plantation and Industry Minister of Sri Lanka is in town. The Energy Minister of Mozambique is in town. Sorry I forgot to mention who signed the Japan-India CEPA. Minister Sharma, Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India visited Japan from 15-17 February. As I already explained, Minister Kim Sung-hwan of the ROK is in town. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, Dr. Marty Natalegawa will be visiting Japan today and tomorrow. Next week we will be having the President of Pakistan, President Zardari, visiting Japan from 20-23 February and we will have the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Angola visiting Japan again from 20-23 February. These are the VIP visits to Japan. Parliamentary Vice-Minister Yamahana will be visiting Columbia and Mexico from today, 17 February until 24. Thank you very much for waiting. Now I invite your questions.

  8. Questions concerning Takeshima

    9. Q: First on Takeshima. You said the Foreign Minister explained the Japanese position. I think the Korean side has heard the Japanese position before, so what was the reaction by the Korean side. What did the Korean side say about Takeshima?

    Mr. Sobashima: I limit myself to explaining that we explained our position. We would like to refrain from what sort of exchanges took place between the two ministers.

    Q: Next Tuesday is Takeshima day and there was a Kyodo news file the other day that the Japanese government will allegedly send a minister, possibly the Foreign Minister to Shimane to that ceremony. Can you confirm if someone is going and who is going, and how that will affect the Korean-Japanese New Era?

    Mr. Sobashima: We don't have any information that any minister will be participating. That is our understanding

    Q: Will the Japanese government in any way notice the Takeshima day, or is that a purely Shimane Prefecture thing? On Northern Territory Day Prime Minister Kan gave a well-noticed speech, as you know, so should we expect something like that on Takeshima day or will this pass unnoticed?

    Mr. Sobashima: We are aware of various events, including the event you mentioned.

    Q: Are there events in Tokyo too?

    Mr. Sobashima: I don't know.

  9. Questions concerning the Japan-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

    10. Q: On the Japan-India EPA, usually when countries negotiate for EPAs they have a target in mind by how much bilateral trade will increase. Japanese-India trade is 1% of Japanese foreign trade. If it will increase by 100% it will be 2%, so what is the target rate here and in what way do you think a reduction of 10% tariffs over ten years would affect the economy?

    Mr. Sobashima: I'm afraid I don't have quantitative figures that I can share with you but certainly we hope for a significant increase in trade and investment, among others

    Q: What goods will be increasingly traded other than auto parts? That's obvious. Suzuki has 54% of market share in India so they might profit from that.

    Mr. Sobashima: Also for Japanese agricultural goods, for example, we expect an increase of exportation from Japan to India. You may notice that on page four, agricultural products, for example Chinese yam, peach, strawberry, Japanese persimmon. Currently the tariff for those products is 30% but the tariff will be eliminated in 10 years. So these are just examples. Not only car parts, but others, too, we expect. It is not only tariffs. There are also other sections and other agreements. For example, we have the systems. If you look at page nine we have the system for consultation for further promoting trade and investment. We will review the progress made and consult each other for further promotion of the trade and investment relationship. If you have a look at page seven there is the section for movement of natural persons. Already, upon entry into force there are immediate measures to be taken, however basically, the two countries agreed to consult each other on how to promote the movement of natural persons between the two countries. We hope that we will benefit from this CEPA enormously. I'm afraid I'm not able to give you the figures, but we hope very much. Again, this is the biggest EPA that Japan has concluded. I already explained that 11 EPAs are already effective. The J-I CEPA is not effective yet, because we need to complete the procedure for ratification, but because Japan and India are the 2nd and 3rd largest economies in Asia, we expect enormous benefits.

    Q: Japanese business seems rather unimpressed because the Japanese economy is integrated with the Chinese economy, while there are wide gaps between India and Japan. Now, since, I think, Prime Minister Abe, consecutive Japanese governments tried to move some weight of cooperation from China to India. Do we have to see this trade agreement in these political terms?

    Mr. Sobashima: Certainly we expect further enhancement of the business, trade and investment relationship between Japan and China. Certainly, because they are the 2nd and 3rd largest economies in the world. Already there are coordination and collaboration between the private sectors, businesses of Japan and China, and certainly we are ready to consider measures to further promote economic relations between the two countries. However, of course, it takes two to tango, so we should consult the Chinese side.

  10. Question concerning the Northern Territories

    11. Q: My last question is one you have expected. You quoted the Foreign Minister on persistent negotiations with Russia in a calm atmosphere. Now when you negotiate you are usually looking for a compromise, and even former Prime Minister Hatoyama now says that Japan has to compromise in some ways in looking at the Northern Territories, so is Japan in anyway ready to compromise?

    Mr. Sobashima: The negotiation should be conducted between the two countries. I don't remember whether Foreign Minister Maehara said this in this particular context or some other context, but he said something like "I don't negotiate through media." Therefore, I would like to refrain from commenting on how we approach the negotiation. However our position remains the same. The four islands are an inherent part of Japan. This is the basic position and negotiation should be conducted in a quiet atmosphere and on the agreements and documents established between the two countries. As for how we approach, we would directly negotiate with the Russian Federation. The two foreign ministers agreed on the importance of frequent contacts between the leaders, foreign ministers and senior officials, so we intend to engage in the negotiations and by so doing, we would like to seek progress. But further than that I would like to refrain from commenting on your question.

  11. Question concerning incidents surrounding the Japanese Embassy in Moscow

    12. Q: I've got a question about the vandalism or violence by the Russian people in front of the Japanese Embassy. You said they burned the Japanese national flag and then threw eggs. Was there any material damage to the Embassy building or the Embassy staff?

    Mr. Sobashima: As far as we understand, we had information that they opened the Japanese flag and burned it in front of the Embassy of Japan, and threw eggs at the glass of a guard station of the Embassy. This is what we understand but further than that we do not have further information of the actual damage.

  12. Question concerning the Senkaku Islands

    13. Q: A spokesperson of the White House last week said that the United States will remain neutral in the issue of who owns the Senkaku Islands [sic]. Does the Japanese government have a reaction to that? This was the American position until last year, until Hilary Clinton changed the American position [sic] and now a White House spokesperson again reiterated that the United States was neutral concerning Senkaku.

    Mr. Sobashima: I'm sorry, I haven't confirmed the actual statement so I would like to refrain from commenting. However, as far as the operation of the Japan-US Security Agreement, the US government made it clear that the treaty covers the Senkaku Islands as well. Particularly because you said a White House Spokesperson made a new statement, I need to check this, so I would like to refrain from commenting on what you said.

    If you have no further questions, thank you very much for coming.

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