Press Conferences

Kyodo News, Ogasawara: I would like to ask about the situation in Ukraine. There are some reports indicating that the Government of Japan will divert LNG to Europe. Please tell us where we are with the discussion, as well as whether the United States requested this.

Ms. ONO Hikariko, Press Secretary: I am aware of the reports. Based on the severe circumstances of gas supply in Europe in relation to the situation in Ukraine, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is currently considering what contributions Japan can make.

In any event, the stability of the situation in Ukraine has a major impact from the perspective of the stable supply of energy. Japan will continue to closely follow the situation with grave concern.

I would like to refrain from answering about diplomatic communication, including specific communication with the United States.

Asahi Shimbun, Aibara: I would like to ask about entry into Japan by the USFJ. During the recent deliberations in the Diet, Foreign Minister Hayashi disclosed that meetings of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee were held a total of five times around when the U.S. military exempted itself from novel coronavirus testing on September 3.

According to MOFA’s explanation to date, you first became aware of this on December 24 and issued a press release. Was there absolutely no communication from the U.S. side regarding the testing exemption during the five meetings of the Japan-U.S Joint Committee around September 3?

Press Secretary Ono: As you stated in your question, Foreign Minister Hayashi explained in the Diet that meetings of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee was held five times from August to December of 2021. Since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, Japan and the United States have closely cooperated on responding to the virus, including with explanations on Japan’s measures, by taking various opportunities including the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee. However, I would like to refrain from speaking about the specific content of the consultations as it concerns relations with the United States.

In any event, Japan and the United States are closely cooperating through the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee framework, including the issuing of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee Statement on January 9.

As I stated previously, what is important is to prevent the spread of infections and alleviate local concerns. Our policy is to continue to firmly hold discussions in the recently established Subcommittee on Quarantine and Health while monitoring the situation of infections.

Asahi Shimbun, Aibara: I believe it is certain that MOFA has explained that you first learned of the testing exemption on December 24, but you want to refrain from answering about the handling of this in discussions in the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee. Is it not possible to at least disclose if the issue did not come up in the discussions?

Press Secretary Ono: Our current policy is to refrain from sharing the details of what is being discussed in general, including the point you mentioned, as it concerns relations with the United States.

Kyodo News, Ogasawara: I would like to follow up on my question from earlier. Does MOFA have an outlook that Europe’s LNG supply will stagnate? What kind of analysis is being done?

Press Secretary Ono: That point is also of course related to communication with various relevant countries. I would like to refrain from answering as this matter concerns diplomatic communication as well.