Press Conferences

Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have one announcement regarding our support in response to the earthquake in Haiti. Today, the Government of Japan decided to extend Emergency Grant Aid of 3.25 million US dollars for the people affected by the August 14 earthquake in Haiti.

Due to the current situation in which about 650,000 people need emergency humanitarian aid in Haiti due to the magnitude 7.2 earthquake, Japan has decided to provide support for food, water, sanitation, and other areas through international organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Japan will continue to cooperate toward the reconstruction of Haiti. That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Fukuda: Tomorrow will mark 20 years since the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001 in the United States. Please tell us your assessment and view on the expansion of the role of the SDF of Japan since then.

Minister Motegi: I was in Burkina Faso in Africa on September 11, 2001. I saw with extreme shock as the World Trade Center buildings collapsed through images on CNN and other medias.

The war on terror has been a very important issue since then. Since 9/11, the SDF has made various international contributions overseas, including supplies assistance, humanitarian and reconstruction support, support for the United Nations PKO, piracy countermeasures, emergency aid, and capacity building support. I believe they have played the role needed for these various activities, and that they are greatly appreciated by the international community.

When the Act on Cooperation with United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Other Operations was approved, there were different voices in the Diet. However, in the last 20 plus years since then, it is an unmistakable fact that the SDF’s PKO activities have been highly appreciated both inside and outside Japan. I expect that the SDF will continue to actively contribute to the peace and stability of the international community.

Radio France, Nishimura: I would like to ask about the treated water at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. What process does Japan intend to use to gain the understanding of foreign countries and NGOs before releasing the treated water into the ocean? It is of course being said that the safety of the water will be confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, the IAEA is an organization that has promoted the release of the water into the ocean for several years, so there is a possibility that some countries and NGOs will not trust that. In spite of that, do you believe that the assessment by the IAEA is sufficient?

Minister Motegi: Firstly, the Government of Japan recently decided its basic policy on handling the ALPS treated water, so if the water is released into the ocean, it would be done after two years from now. In the time until then, I believe it will be extremely important to provide careful explanations to the international community, and ensure the safety on a scientific basis.

We will of course provide explanations to various governments and others through diplomatic channels as well as explanations to the press. We will also further strengthen our communications through related websites, and continue efforts to gain wide understanding both inside and outside Japan regarding our policy.

You mentioned the IAEA. The IAEA is a United Nations organizations specializing in the use of atomic energy. As stated, it is an universal international organization with 173 members states. When it comes to its credibility as an institution, I believe it has an established reputation. When the IAEA Deputy Director General working on this matter visited Japan recently, she stated that the IAEA will conduct an objective and scientific assessment. I believe the IAEA will confirm the safety of the ALPS treated water from a neutral and scientific viewpoint.

NHK, Yamamoto: I would like to ask about the schedule of foreign visits. Firstly, the United Nations General Assembly will be held at the end of this month. Please tell us how Prime Minister Suga will respond, and whether you are considering visiting New York.

Minister Motegi: Nothing is decided at this point such as who will attend the United Nations General Assembly from Japan. We are currently confirming what level of participation there will be from each country, whether it would be country leaders or foreign ministers and such.

On the other hand, with regards to a visit to the United States by the Prime Minister, it was agreed during the first ever Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Leaders’ Video Conference in March that the leaders would hold an in-person Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Summit Meeting this year. I believe the Quad is an important initiative for promoting cooperation toward realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” which Japan has been advocating.

In addition, I believe it will be very significant to hold in-person and frank discussions, while taking necessary infection control measures, given the importance of various issues that need to be discussed within the Quad and also from the perspective of building personal relationships of trust between the country leaders.

The specific schedule for the Quad Summit Meeting is still under final coordination.