Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: At today’s Cabinet Meeting, it has been decided to implement a two-year extension of measures prohibiting port calls by North Korean flag vessels, as well as exports and imports to and from North Korea. Furthermore, we have also decided on various measures to implement the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2094, as well as imposing additional asset freeze.

North Korea has went ahead with its missile launches and nuclear tests, and has been repeating actions to raise tensions. We have seen no concrete progress on the abductions issue. The current situation is extremely regrettable. We once again request North Korea to swiftly take positive and concrete actions toward resolving each issue of concern.

Minister Kishida: Also at the Cabinet Meeting, I distributed a summary of Diplomatic Bluebook 2013. I expect the Bluebook will not only help the Japanese citizens to earn an understanding of the international situations and Japanese diplomacy, but also serve to assist towards advancing diplomacy by the entire public.

Minister Kishida: From tonight I will visit Fukushima Prefecture. I will visit the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, and directly grasp the current state of decommissioning and future challenges with my own eyes. I will meet with Mr. Yuhei Sato, Governor of Fukushima Prefecture, and exchange opinions on the current situation with regard to reconstruction and international cooperation moving forward.

I hope to continue efforts to deepen cooperative relations with related parties and to support both the reconstruction of Fukushima Prefecture and the accident response.

Minister Kishida: If various conditions allow, from April 8 to April 12, I will visit The Hague, Netherlands, to attend the 6th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI), and London, United Kingdom, for the G8 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. At the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the NPDI, it is scheduled to hold discussions on initiatives related to diversifying nuclear risks, including the North Korean nuclear issue, in consideration of contribution to the Second Preparatory Committee for the Review Conference for the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). At the G8 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we are scheduled to discuss regional issues including North Korea and Syria, as well as the strengthening of measures on cross-border issues such as counter-terrorism.

Hasegawa, Fuji Television: Regarding the issue of North Korea you mentioned earlier, there seem to be moves such as moving its ballistic missiles to the coast facing the Sea of Japan. What do you think is the likelihood of North Korea launching those missiles? There are also some analyses that the missiles may be launched within a few days or weeks. Do you believe the situation is tense?

Minister Kishida: First of all, North Korea has been repeating provocative words and actions, and I am aware of the variety of reports on that. Firstly, their repeated provocative words and actions are extremely regrettable. We are paying considerable attention to this situation and making our utmost efforts for information gathering and analysis. Since it is in relation to intelligence, I will refrain from commenting on the substance but it is our recognition that we must work diligently for information gathering and secure a thoroughgoing system so as to address various contingencies.

Fujimura, Chugoku Shimbun: As the Minister from Hiroshima Prefecture, the site of the first atomic bombing, please give us your thoughts on attending the upcoming foreign ministers' meetings.

Minister Kishida: The Ministerial Meeting of the NPDI in The Hague is a disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation initiative led by Non-Nuclear-Weapon States. Attending this meeting as the Minister for Foreign Affairs from Hiroshima Prefecture signifies that I must convey my thoughts clearly at international meetings such as this and at this point I am feeling that strong responsibility. I sincerely wish for efforts at this meeting to lead to further discussions going forward.

Fujimura, Chugoku Shimbun: What do you expect from the G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting?

Minister Kishida: Needless to say, the G8 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting still holds considerable significance given the uncertain international situations we currently face. I plan to thoroughly exchange views on regional issues including North Korea and Iran, and establish close relationships with the foreign ministers going forward.

Watanabe, Kyodo News: Japan and the U.S. have been working on a plan for the return of the land south of Kadena. There are some reports that the plan will specify that Futenma Air Station be returned to Japan in Japanese fiscal year 2022 or later. Is this the actual outlook?

Minister Kishida: As you know, at the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, our leaders agreed on the early advancement of the plan to return the land south of Kadena. All parties relevant to this issue are currently working hard on specifying action items and striving to finalize the plan. I understand that consultations with the U.S. are entering the final stage. However, as consultations are still ongoing, I cannot comment on any specific matters related to the issue. I sincerely hope that we will reach a conclusion and make an announcement at the earliest possible date.