Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 23 June 2011

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 23 June 2011

  1. The IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety
  2. Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee
  3. Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the reappointment of Mr. Ban Ki-moon as Secretary-General of the United Nations
  4. Japan Expo
  5. VIP Visits
  6. Questions concerning security cooperation among Japan, the United States and India
  7. Questions concerning the principle of freedom of navigation

  1. The IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety

    2. Deputy Press Secretary Hidenobu Sobashima: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. Welcome. We have distributed three sets of documents.

    Mr. Sobashima: The first is about the IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety being held from 20-24 June.

    According to the announcement made by the IAEA, the objective of this Conference is to draw on lessons from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi NPP in order to strengthen nuclear safety throughout the world. The Conference will provide an opportunity to undertake, at the ministerial and senior technical level, a thorough preliminary assessment of the Fukushima Daiichi NPP accident to date and discuss broader issues relating to nuclear safety, including emergency preparedness and response. The Conference will also discuss the IAEA's central role in nuclear safety issues and how best to mobilize the IAEA's unique breadth and depth of experience and expertise in coordinating efforts to ensure that the most robust nuclear safety standards are applied as broadly as possible internationally.

    The Conference has the plenary and three working sessions. Working Session 1 covers a preliminary assessment of the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)’s nuclear power stations in Fukushima and actions for safety improvements; Working Session 2 deals with emergency preparedness and response; and Working Session 3 addresses the global nuclear safety framework. On 24 June, the summaries of the Working Sessions will be presented to the Plenary, followed by a closing statement by the IAEA Director-General and by the President of the Conference.

    The Japanese delegation is headed by Mr. Banri Kaieda, Minister of Economy Trade and Industry. From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Yamahana and officials responsible for the IAEA also participate.

    You may recall that on the occasion of the Deauville G8 Summit, Prime Minister made five proposals for the purpose of enhancing nuclear safety, as follows:

    First, strengthening and wide application of the IAEA safety standards; second, expansion of the IAEA safety evaluation missions; third, strengthening the international support and cooperation systems; fourth, promotion of communication, consultation and cooperation among nuclear safety authorities; and fifth, strengthening international treaties relating to nuclear safety.

    The Conference has the plenary and three working sessions. Working Session 1 covers a preliminary assessment of the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO)'s nuclear power stations in Fukushima and actions for safety improvements; Working Session 2 deals with emergency preparedness and response; and Working Session 3 addresses the global nuclear safety framework. On 24 June, the summaries of the Working Sessions will be presented to the Plenary, followed by a closing statement by the IAEA Director-General and by the President of the Conference.

    The Conference has already released a Declaration, on 20 June, whose text we have distributed. It says that "We, the Ministers --- gathered --- to direct --- the process of learning and acting upon lessons to strengthen nuclear safety, emergency preparedness and radiation protection of people and the environment worldwide, express ---", followed by specific actions. Prime Minister Kan's five-point proposal. Please have a look at Paragraph six, it reflects Prime Minister Kan's first proposal, that is the strengthening of the standards. It says, "Emphasize the importance of implementing enhanced national and international measures to ensure that the highest and most robust levels of nuclear safety are in place, based on IAEA safety standards, which should be continuously reviewed, strengthened and implemented as broadly and effectively as possible and commit to increase bilateral, regional and international cooperation to that effect". Also, paragraphs two and eleven are related to this paragraph six.

    Please have a look at paragraph twelve. This reflects Prime Minister Kan's second proposal, that is the expansion of IAEA safety evaluation missions. It says, "Underline the benefits of strengthened and high quality independent international safety expert assessments, in particular within the established IAEA framework, through periodic reviews and evaluation missions assessing national regulatory frameworks, emergency preparedness and response and nuclear power plant operation in order to ensure continuous improvement of the safety of nuclear installations on the basis of internationally agreed rules and procedures".

    Paragraph nineteen is composed of three sub-components. First it says, "Emphasize the need to improve national, regional and international emergency preparedness and response to nuclear accidents, including through the possible creation of rapid reaction capacity and the development of training in the field of crisis management at the regional and international levels". I will skip the middle of the paragraph. Then the final sub-paragraph says, "... and call for a strengthened role of the IAEA in emergency preparedness and response by promoting and possibly expanding existing IAEA response and assistance capabilities". These two sub-paragraphs concern the international support and cooperation after the accident. So these reflect Prime Minister Kan's third proposal. The middle sub-paragraph says, "Strengthen cooperation among national authorities, technical safety organizations, operators, and among relevant intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations". This reflects the Prime Minister Kan's fourth proposal on cooperation among the nuclear safety authorities.

    Coming back to paragraph sixteen, it is about legal frameworks and strengthening treaties, relating to Prime Minister Kan's fifth proposal. It says, "Reiterate the importance of universal adherence to and the effective implementation and continuous review of the relevant international instruments on nuclear safety, consider the possibility of strengthening the international legal framework in this area; and recognize the Agency's enhanced efforts to that effect".

    The Conference is still underway. We have until tomorrow, the final day, to conclude the Ministerial Conference. We hope that this Conference, with the participation of Japan and other member states, will contribute to enhancing nuclear safety.

  2. Meeting of the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee

    3. Mr. Sobashima: The second topic is the Japan-U.S. 2+2 meeting. We have distributed a joint statement on the Security Consultative Committee (SCC), commonly called "2+2", entitled, "Toward a Deeper and Broader US-Japan Alliance: Building on 50 Years of Partnership".

    The second paper is entitled, "Progress on the Realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan".

    The third paper is "Cooperation in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake", which refers to Operation Tomodachi as well.

    The final document from this 2+2 is about the "Host Nation Support".

    I will skip explaining the third and fourth, and briefly explain the second one. I will mainly explain the first one, the joint statement.

    In the preamble part it refers to the history of the 50 years of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. On page three, it says, "The SCC members reaffirmed their commitment to implement steadily the realignment initiatives described in the May 1, 2006, SCC document, 'United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation' as supplemented by the May 28, 2010, SCC Joint Statement" and the document issued this time.

    Section II, entitled "Common Strategic Objectives", deals with various issues. Of course, the basic purpose is to "Ensure the security of Japan and strengthen peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region". That is the first bullet. The third bullet deals with issues of North Korea. I will skip reading this.

    On the next page, it says, "Strengthen trilateral security and defense cooperation" of Japan and the United States "with both Australia and the Republic of Korea".

    As for China, I will read this paragraph, "Encourage China's responsible and constructive role in regional stability and prosperity, its cooperation on global issues, and its adherence to international norms of behavior, while building trust among the United States, Japan, and China. Improve openness and transparency with respect to China's military modernization and activities and, strengthen confidence building measures". The next paragraph also relates to China: "While welcoming the progress to date in improving cross-Strait relations, encourage the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues through dialogue".

    I will refrain explaining other paragraphs. I will just draw your attention to the fact that the following paragraphs refer to Russia, ASEAN, India, multilateral forums such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM+), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the East Asia Summit (EAS) and other issues related to countries and regions like the Middle East, North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

    And then the third section, entitled, "Strengthening of Alliance Security and Defense Cooperation", refers to the new National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) of Japan, and also the Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) of the United States, and Japan".

    After the preamble, in the first paragraph entitled, "Realignment in Okinawa", on the second bullet in Paragraph (a), it says, "The Ministers completed the verification and validation of the location, configuration and construction method based on the, "minor adjustments to the plan could be considered provided that the environmental impact assessment procedures and construction could be completed without significant delay".

    In Paragraph (c) toward the bottom, it says, "The Ministers noted that completion of the FRF and the Marine relocation will not meet the previously targeted date of 2014 and confirmed their commitment to complete the above projects at the earliest possible date after 2014 in order to avoid the indefinite use of the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, while maintaining Alliance capabilities".

    The remaining paragraphs include such paragraphs as Paragraph (f), "The Ministers decided that both sides are to continue to explore further ways for impact mitigation in Okinawa including further measures with respect to the «Hotel/Hotel training area»".

    I will skip explaining the other parts of the documents, but I will briefly refer to what Foreign Minister Matsumoto said in the joint press conference of the four ministers that was held immediately after this 2+2 meeting was concluded.

    Foreign Minister Matsumoto said that he appreciated this 2+2 meeting as the first 2+2 meeting under the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Government. He noted the strategic environment and also the Great East Japan Earthquake and he thanked once again the United States for the massive support extended to Japan. Having noted the regional environment and also the disaster, he said that the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance has never been felt so keenly before as it is now. He said that it was very useful to have a meeting to review the regional situation and agreed on common strategic objectives. He was satisfied with the fact that a useful discussion was held in the meeting and also that agreement was reached made to deepen and widen, in various fields, the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

    As for the realignment of U.S. Forces, he said that the further efforts should be made, bearing in mind the importance of ensuring deterrence as well as of mitigating the impact on Okinawa at the same time.

    So this is a gist of what Minister Matsumoto said. We certainly appreciate this 2+2 meeting, which discussed various security, regional and international issues and reconfirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

  3. Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the reappointment of Mr. Ban Ki-moon as Secretary-General of the United Nations

    4. Mr. Sobashima: The final document we distributed is this statement by the Minister on the reappointment of Mr. Ban Ki-moon as Secretary-General of the United Nations. I will read this. "Japan welcomes Mr. Ban Ki-moon's appointment for a second term of office as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly held on June 21".

    "Japan appreciates the important role Secretary-General Ban has played in addressing global challenges since taking office as Secretary-General".

    "Japan hopes that Mr. Ban will continue, building upon his wide experience, to enhance his prominent efforts towards sustaining international peace and security, resolving global issues, as well as towards realizing a more effective and efficient United Nations. Japan is committed to continuing its own efforts to assume greater responsibility and participate more actively and constructively in all areas of the United Nations for the prosperity and development of the international community, in close cooperation with Secretary-General Ban".

    So this is the statement issued by the Minister.

  4. Japan Expo

    5. Mr. Sobashima: Although we haven't distributed a paper, I would like to briefly explain the Japan Expo to be held in France. From 30 June until 3 July, Japan Expo will be held on the outskirts of Paris. This is the largest event featuring Japan's pop culture. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (MAFF), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), and the Japan Tourism Agency – three ministries and one agency – and also the Japan Foundation, will jointly participate, coordinating with each other for this Expo. At the expo venue, we have various exhibitions and programs featuring Japanese comics, animations, games, music and costumes, among other forms of Japanese culture. We will have a joint press conference by the Japanese Ministries and Agency on 31 June. On that occasion, we will express our great appreciation for the sympathy and support extended from France to Japan in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Also, we intend to provide correct information on Japanese food and other exports from Japan. So these are the topics.

  5. VIP Visits

    6. Mr. Sobashima: For your information, as for the visits, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito is visiting Germany now to participate in the ceremonies to commemorate 150 years of exchanges between Japan and Germany. So these are the topics and the information I would like to provide. Thank you very much for waiting, and now I invite your questions.

  6. Questions concerning security cooperation among Japan, the United States and India

    7. Q: I have two questions. As for the 2+2 agreement, there is one clause stating that the United States, Japan and India will try to promote trilateral dialogue. I think that between Japan and India efforts to deepen defense and security cooperation has not progressed so much. I am sure that there is a Vice-ministerial level 2+2 or foreign/defense ministerial dialogue, but what kind of steps will Japan take to strengthen defense and security cooperation with India?

    Mr. Sobashima: Thank you. You are quite right. Bilaterally, Japan and India agreed to hold a dialogue by the authorities concerned on both sides on security – by MOFA and the Ministry of Defense (MOD) of Japan and their Indian counterparts. I am not in a position to evaluate progress now, but because we have started this bilateral dialogue, we intend to have progress. As referred to in the document distributed, Japan and the United States intend to promote trilateral dialogue among the United States, Japan and India. We decided this and we intend to promote it. We hope that progress will be made in the future. Certainly, Japan, the United States and India are interested in the security situation in the Asia-Pacific, and therefore, it is a common interest of the three countries to discuss security issues and exchange views. We intend to promote this both bilaterally and trilaterally. Just for your information, in the earlier part of the document, it also mentions that Japan and the United States intend to strengthen trilateral security and defense cooperation with both Australia and the Republic of Korea.

  7. Questions concerning the principle of freedom of navigation

    8. Q: My other question is about maritime safety. In this document it says that both Japan and the United States will uphold the principle of freedom of navigation. I think that when Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited Japan recently, he and Prime Minister Kan agreed to seek to establish some kind of common rules on maritime safety in the EAS meeting in November. I would like to know what Japan's stance or position is on this issue, especially given the background of recent tension between some ASEAN countries and China in the South China Sea.

    Mr. Sobashima: Yes, you are quite right that we have this reference to the safety and security of the maritime domain. As we state, we consider we should defend the principle of freedom of navigation, including preventing and eradicating piracy, ensuring free and open trade and commerce, and promoting related customs and international agreements. So Japan and the United States agree on this principle. As you correctly referenced, Japan and Indonesia, at the leaders' level, also share an interest in maritime safety issues, and the two leaders expressed the hope that on future occasions such as the EAS, or perhaps the ARF and other relevant fora, this issue of maritime safety will be discussed and a common understanding will be reached. So our position is as written here. We hope that other members of the international community and other countries in the region also share this principle. That is our position.

    Any other questions? If there are no further questions, thank you very much for coming.

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