Top > Announcement > Press Conference by the Press Secretary of MOFA > 6 September 2012

Press Conference by the Deputy Press Secretary, 6 September 2012

  1. Attendance at the 24th APEC Ministerial Meeting by Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba
  2. Agreement in Principle on a Tax Agreement regarding the Exchange of Information between the Government of Japan and the Government of Samoa
  3. Japan-Finland Summit Meeting
  4. Progress made by Sudan and South Sudan in Negotiations
  5. Japan-US Aid Coordination in the Pacific Region
  6. Visit to Japan by the Prime Minister of New Zealand

1. Attendance at the 24th APEC Ministerial Meeting by Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba

Ms. Saiki: First, on the attendance at the 24th APEC Ministerial Meeting by Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba. Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba has been visiting Vladivostok from the day before yesterday, 4 September, in order to attend the 24th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meeting, and he is coming back this afternoon.

Minister Gemba has exchanged views with other participating APEC Ministers on strengthening food security, enhancing emergency preparedness, supporting multilateral system, the liberalization of trade and investment, and regional economic integration.

2. Agreement in Principle on a Tax Agreement regarding the Exchange of Information between the Government of Japan and the Government of Samoa

Ms. Saiki: Second, on agreement in principle on a tax agreement regarding the exchange of information between the Government of Japan and the Government of Samoa. The Government of Japan and the Government of Samoa have reached an agreement in principle on an agreement on the exchange of information relating to tax matters as a result of the intergovernmental negotiations.

The Agreement to be concluded provides for the effective exchange of information between the competent authorities of both countries regarding tax matters in accordance with the international standard, which contributes to the prevention of international fiscal evasion and tax abuse. The importance of preventing international fiscal evasion and tax abuse has been recognized in a series of international conferences. The Government of Japan is determined to contribute to strengthening the information exchange network aimed at the prevention of international fiscal evasion and tax abuse by concluding this Agreement as early as possible. This Agreement will be signed after finalization of the text and the following respective procedures of both governments. It will enter into force after the completion of the respective domestic procedures for the conclusion of the Agreement.

3. Japan-Finland Summit Meeting

Ms. Saiki: Third, on a Japan-Finland Summit Meeting. On 3 September, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a meeting with Mr. Jyrki Katainen, Prime Minister of the Republic of Finland, in Tokyo. They discussed energy and nuclear power safety. In that context, Prime Minister Noda stated that Japan will continue contributions toward the enhancement of nuclear safety, and that, as one part of this, Japan is going to hold the Fukushima Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Safety, and requested that Finland attend the meeting.

On the Japan-EU EPA, Prime Minister Noda expressed his expectations toward further development of bilateral economic relations, and requested cooperation relating to the early start of negotiations on a Japan-European Union economic partnership agreement. In response, Prime Minister Katainen stated that he strongly supports the early start of negotiations for a Japan-EU EPA.

4. Progress made by Sudan and South Sudan in Negotiations

Ms. Saiki: Fourth, on the progress made by Sudan and South Sudan in negotiations. Japan welcomes the progress made by the governments of Sudan and South Sudan in negotiations over the issues, including oil, under the Communique of the African Union Peace and Security Council, and the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2046.

Japan calls on the two governments to abide by existing agreements, such as security measures in the border areas, the demarcation of the border, and issues concerning Abyei, and to swiftly implement them. We also urge both governments to continue negotiations and promptly resolve all the outstanding issues in accordance with the African Union’s roadmap, as well as the United Nations Security Council Resolution.

5. Japan-US Aid Coordination in the Pacific Region

Ms. Saiki: Fifth, on Japan-US aid coordination with respect to the Pacific Island countries. On 31 August, local time, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Joe Nakano and Secretary of State of the United States of America Hillary Rodham Clinton attended the Post-Forum Dialogue of the Pacific Islands Forum, held in Rarotonga, the Cook Islands.

On this occasion, the two countries issued the joint statement on Japan-US aid coordination in the Pacific Region, which identifies four areas as priorities for collaborative projects and efforts; namely, 1) disaster management, 2) environmental issues and climate change, 3) overcoming vulnerabilities and promoting human security, and 4) people-to-people exchanges and information sharing.

Japan has been hosting “Pacific Islands Leaders Meetings” with the Pacific Island countries every three years since 1997 in order to strengthen its relations with those countries. Meanwhile, the United States has been increasing its engagement in the Pacific Region in recent years. In this light, Japan invited the United States for the first time to the Sixth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in May this year. The two countries will promote stability, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Pacific Region by further enhancing their collaboration.

6. Visit to Japan by the Prime Minister of New Zealand

Ms. Saiki: Sixth and last, on a visit to Japan by the Prime Minister of New Zealand. From Sunday, 9 September to Wednesday, 12 September, Mr. John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, will visit Japan. While in Japan, he is scheduled to have a meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to exchange views on bilateral relations, and regional and international situations that the two countries have a shared interest in. In addition, Prime Minister Key will visit Miyagi Prefecture, where he will observe the state of damage and recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake, and discuss with those concerned about how Japan and New Zealand, which both suffered great earthquakes last year, can cooperate toward reconstruction.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and New Zealand. It is expected that the friendly relationship between Japan and New Zealand will be further developed as a result of Prime Minister Key’s visit.

With these initial announcements, now, I would like to take your questions. Any questions? If there are none, this concludes today’s conference. Thank you.

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