Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 19 April 2012

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 19 April 2012

  1. North Korea's Launch of a Missile, which it calls a "Satellite"
  2. Election of the President in Timor-Leste
  3. Signing of the "Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Ukraine concerning Cooperation to Advance Aftermath Response to Accidents at Nuclear Power Stations"
  4. East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue
  5. Terrorist Attacks in Afghanistan
  6. Visit to Japan of the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
  7. Visit to Japan of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia

1. North Korea's Launch of a Missile, which it calls a "Satellite"

Deputy Press Secretary Ms. Naoko Saiki: Good afternoon, everyone. Let me start by touching upon several issues.

Ms. Saiki: First, on North Korea's launch of a missile, which it calls a "satellite". On 16 April, the United Nations Security Council issued a Presidential Statement, which strongly condemns North Korea's launch of the missile, which it calls a "satellite", on 13 April. In fact, while calling for North Korea's restraint for the launch, Japan has worked closely and vigorously with the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK), China, Russia, and other countries concerned, convinced that the international community, including the UN Security Council, should promptly deliver an unequivocal and credible message and deter further provocation in the event of the launch. We have engaged in multifaceted coordination and cooperation with various countries and made ceaseless efforts. As a result, as I stated at the outset, the United Nations Security Council successfully issued a Presidential Statement, which Japan wholeheartedly welcomes. And I am pleased to note that Japan's views are mostly reflected in the Presidential Statement. Japan is determined to continue to make active efforts in close coordination and cooperation with the international community for the comprehensive resolution of outstanding issues of concern regarding North Korea, including abduction, nuclear and missile issues.

2. Election of the President in Timor-Leste

Ms. Saiki: Second, on the election of the president in Timor-Leste. Japan welcomes the nearly certain election of Mr. Jose Maria Vasconcelos, known as Taur Matan Ruak, in Timor-Leste presidential election run-off on 16 April. The presidential election run-off took place in a peaceful manner and with the support and supervision of the international community, including Japan. We have high expectations for the further advancement of nation-building in Timor-Leste based upon democracy under the next president. Japan will continue to offer its full support for the initiatives and measures of Timor-Leste toward that end.

3. Signing of the "Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Ukraine concerning Cooperation to Advance Aftermath Response to Accidents at Nuclear Power Stations"

Ms. Saiki: Third, on the signing of the "Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Ukraine concerning Cooperation to Advance Aftermath Response to Accidents at Nuclear Power Stations". On 18 April, Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba and Minister of Emergencies Viktor Baloga of Ukraine, who was visiting Japan at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed the "Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Ukraine concerning Cooperation to Advance Aftermath Response to Accidents at Nuclear Power Stations". The Agreement stipulates fields in which the Government of Japan and the Government of Ukraine will make efforts to advance cooperation for the promotion of responses after a nuclear power station accident and methods for such cooperation. It also provides that a joint committee shall be established for the effective implementation of the cooperation.

4. East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue

Ms. Saiki: Fourth, on the East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue. On 15 April, the Government of Japan held the East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue in Tokyo. Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba and President's Special Envoy for Climate Change Rachmat Witoelar of Indonesia co-chaired the Dialogue. The Dialogue served, we believe, as a great opportunity to kick off discussions regarding the promotion of low-carbon growth in the East Asia Summit (EAS) region, the center of gravity of the world economy as well as highly vulnerable areas to climate change. Participants exchanged views on each country's actions and strategies toward low-carbon growth, cooperation between developed and developing countries, the importance of low-carbon technologies, financial support and market mechanisms, and the significance of effective networks among the various stakeholders.

5. Terrorist Attacks in Afghanistan

Ms. Saiki: Fifth, on terrorist attacks in Afghanistan. We are greatly shocked and indignant at the terrorist attacks that occurred simultaneously at a number of places across Afghanistan and within Kabul. While it has been verified by the Government of Japan that none of our citizens residing in Afghanistan were harmed, the terrorist attacks did cause a certain level of damages to the Embassy of Japan and Ambassador's residence. We strongly condemn terrorism in any forms and manifestations, and reiterate that there can be no justification for any acts of terrorism.

6. Visit to Japan of the Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Ms. Saiki: Sixth, on the visit to Japan of the Secretary-General of the OECD. From 23 to 25 April, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria will be visiting Japan.

7. Visit to Japan of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia

Ms. Saiki: Seventh, on the visit to Japan of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia. From 24 to 25 April, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dato' Sri Anifah bin Aman of Malaysia and his wife, attended by their delegation, will visit Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

With these initial announcements, I would be delighted to take any questions you may have.

No questions?

Okay. Then, I would like to close today's conference. Thank you very much.

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