Press Conferences

Asahi Shimbun, Aibara: On July 5, Deputy Chairman Medvedev of the Russian Security Council posted on social media that Japan would receive no oil or gas from Russia, nor interests in the Sakhalin-2 project. I would first like to ask about the government’s response to this.

Ms. ONO Hikariko, Press Secretary: I am aware of the statement made by Deputy Chairman Medvedev of the Russian Security Council. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on politicians’ individual comments.

Asahi Shimbun, Aibara: Mr. Medvedev is a former president and a high-level government official in Russia. Prime Minister Kishida stated that we must closely monitor the matter of Sakhalin-2, and Deputy Chairman Medvedev’s post can be perceived as a requisition. Has MOFA confirmed the facts or lodged a protest against this to the Russian side?

Press Secretary Ono: The G7 has decided to consider a system to ensure market stability and not to purchase oil from Russia above a certain price cap. We are now in the process of planning a specific system planning, including the price level, and Japan will be discussing this with the G7 countries.

As Prime Minister Kishida and Foreign Minister Hayashi have already stated, we are monitoring the various developments concerning Sakhalin-2, particularly the presidential decree.

It is not the case that LNG imports from Sakhalin-2 will immediately be suspended due to the presidential decree. Regarding the presidential decree, the Government of Japan will closely examine its impact on the treatment of Japanese companies’ interests in the Sakhalin-2 project and on LNG imports to Japan from the Sakhalin-2 project. The Government of Japan is also gathering information by requesting explanations from the Russian side through diplomatic channels.

As I just stated, we have been communicating with the Russian side until now, and we are also gathering information through diplomatic channels.

I would like to refrain from speaking about the details here as they are diplomatic exchanges. In any case, Japan’s policy is to continue to take appropriate measures in cooperation with the G7 countries while fully ensuring the stable supply of energy.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kaneko: I would like to ask about the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. This was also a topic in Foreign Minister Hayashi’s press conference yesterday. I would like to ask if it is correct that Foreign Minister Hayashi will not leave the meeting in case Foreign Minister Lavrov of Russia attends, and if so, what is the significance of not leaving?

Press Secretary Ono: As Foreign Minister Hayashi stated, due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the international community considers that it is no longer possible to maintain the same relationship with Russia that it used to be. Under such circumstances, if Foreign Minister Lavrov participates in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Foreign Minister Hayashi will cooperate with various relevant countries and firmly state Japan’s position regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has undermined the foundation of the international order. Regarding the specific response, Japan’s policy is to take appropriate measures in cooperation with various relevant countries.

Mainichi Shimbun, Aoki: I would like to return to the Sakhalin-2 issue that were mentioned earlier. Have there been any smooth communication through diplomatic channels in which Japan has asked for an explanation from the Russian side, and have you received answers?

Press Secretary Ono: As I stated before, we are currently making inquiries, or shall I say communicating, through diplomatic channels, so I would like to refrain from speaking about the details here. In any case, Japan will firmly respond from the perspective of taking all possible measures to ensure a stable supply of energy.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kaneko: I would like to ask about the issue of the former civilian workers from the Korean Peninsula. The public-private consultation group was recently established in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Please tell us the Government of Japan’s reaction to this.

Press Secretary Ono: I am aware of the contents announced by the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 4. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on each of them since these are movements within the ROK.

If I were to say anything further, if the seized assets of Japanese companies were to be liquidated in relation to the issue of the former civilian workers from the Korean Peninsula, it would lead to an extremely serious situation for Japan-ROK relations and must be avoided.

Japan has repeatedly conveyed this to the ROK side at various levels. The Government of Japan will firmly ascertain the response of the new Yoon administration and closely communicate with the ROK based on our consistent position in order to restore healthy Japan-ROK relations.