Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: From February 10 to 13, I will visit Melbourne and Honolulu to attend the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

At the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we will affirm that we will further promote practical cooperation in a wide range of areas such as vaccines, climate change, emerging technologies, and infrastructure for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP). In light of the severe security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, I will also conduct frank discussions on the regional situation. As the next Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Summit Meeting is scheduled to take place during the first half of this year, I hope to make these foreign ministers’ meetings an occasion to further strengthen the cooperation with other participating countries leading to the Summit Meeting.

Meanwhile, at the Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we will exchange views on the latest situation in North Korea, including the repeated launches of ballistic missiles. Also, we will coordinate our recognition of future policies on North Korea to realize its complete denuclearization in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions. In addition, we will also exchange views on the regional situations and various global issues. Through these discussions, I hope to reaffirm the coordination and cooperation among Japan, the United States, and the ROK, mainly in response to North Korea including the abductions issue.

Furthermore, I am scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with foreign ministers from other countries. That is all from me.

TV Asahi, Sawai: I would like to ask about the announcement by Mr. Hagiuda, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, regarding the plan to divert some LNG cargoes to Europe. Yesterday, Minister Hagiuda stated that Japan had decided to cooperate in response to the request from Mr. Rahm Emanuel, Ambassador-designate of the United States. On January 22, Prime Minister Kishida held a Summit Video Teleconference Meeting with President Biden of the United States, while Minister Hayashi also had a Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk with Secretary of State Blinken. While exchanging views on the situation in Ukraine in these meetings, did the Japanese side receive requests for cooperation concerning LNG from the U.S. side, which led to the decision made yesterday? Please also clarify once again the aims related to the rather unusual decision.

Minister Hayashi: I am aware that the decision was made to divert some surplus of the LNG for Japan to Europe on the major premise that a stable supply of LNG to Japan is secured. Based on requests by the United States and EU, and the difficult gas supply situation in Europe related to the situation in Ukraine, this decision was made after considering how Japan can contribute.

Due to such a difficult gas supply situation in Europe related to the situation in Ukraine, Japan received requests from the United States and EU for diverting the LNG for Japan to Europe. I would like to refrain from any further details. The Government of Japan will continue to respond appropriately in cooperation with the international community including the G7 countries.

TV Asahi, Sawai: I would like to ask a related question. It does not seem the case that, at this point, LNG or other energy supplies from Russia to Europe is suspended. On the other hand, Japan and the United States have agreed to work closely together to deter Russian aggression against Ukraine. Can you please tell us whether the diversion of LNG to Europe starting in February is relevant to the deterrent against Russia?

Minister Hayashi: Russia’s military build-up has heightened the tension in the area near the border with Ukraine, and the situation in the area continues to be very unpredictable. While there have been moves of diplomatic efforts by relevant countries, it is possible that the situation will change suddenly. This is my understanding of the situation. For any further details, including the starting date of the LNG diversion, please inquire with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as they are in charge of the matter.

Jiji Press, Tanaka: I would like to ask about Japan-ROK relations. When Japan, the United States, and the ROK hold a meeting in Hawaii, Japan might also hold a bilateral meeting with the ROK. Between Japan and the ROK, during the previous Foreign Ministers’ telephone talk, the ROK side raised the issue of the Sado Mines. Considering this situation, how will Japan respond to North Korea? Please also tell us how Japan intends to manage the bilateral relations with the ROK going forward.

Minister Hayashi: As I have mentioned earlier, at the upcoming Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we will exchange views on the latest situation in North Korea, including the repeated launches of ballistic missiles. Bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of other countries are currently being coordinated. Making the most of the opportunities of in-person meetings, I will further build personal relationships of trust with foreign ministers of various countries through frank exchanges of views.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I would like to ask about the Northern Territories issues and the Ukraine crisis. On February 7, Northern Territories Day, Mr. Emanuel, the U.S. Ambassador-designate to Japan, stated in a video posted on Twitter that “On February 7, as Japan observes Northern Territories Day, I want to be crystal clear. The United States supports Japan on the issue of the Northern Territories.” Ambassador Emanuel also remarked on the current Ukraine crisis and criticized Russia. This video message by Ambassador Emanuel seems to have been received favorably by many people on social media, while some people view it as an incentive for Japan to participate in a war with Russia related to the Ukraine crisis. Please tell us your thoughts on this.

Minister Hayashi: I am aware of the video message by Ambassador-designate Emanuel that you mentioned.

The Four Northern Islands are the islands over which Japan has sovereignty, and the Government of Japan will continue to carry out persistent negotiations under our basic policy of concluding a peace treaty by resolving the territorial issue. The Government of Japan welcomes Ambassador Emanuel’s message as it conveys the support of the United States for the stance of Japan.

Japan has been monitoring with grave concern the situation surrounding Ukraine. In the recent Japan-U.S. Summit Video Teleconference Meeting and Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk, Japan and the United States concurred to continue close coordination between the two countries in responding to the situation in Ukraine. We will also continue to respond appropriately in coordination with the United States and the international community.