Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa
Friday, April 21, 2023, 11:02 a.m. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japanese
Opening Remarks
Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis’s Visit to Japan
Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: The Honorable Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, United States, will visit Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from April 24th to 25th.
During the visit, Governor DeSantis will pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Kishida, and on the 24th, Governor DeSantis and I will hold a meeting and a working dinner to exchange views on matters including Japan-Florida relations, strengthening Japan-U.S. relations, and international affairs.
Florida has one of the fastest growing economies, ranking fourth among U.S. states and 17th in comparison to all countries. Relations with Florida are very important to Japan, as Japan is Florida’s sixth-largest trading partner by country and its second-largest by imports only, and we are pleased to welcome Governor DeSantis.
That is all from me.
Situation in Sudan (Evacuation of Japanese Nationals)
Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to ask about the evacuation of Japanese nationals from Sudan, where fighting continues. A decision has been made to dispatch Self-Defense Forces aircraft to Djibouti for the evacuation, but what is the Government currently considering regarding evacuation routes from Sudan? Also, out of the approximately 60 Japanese residents in Sudan, how many intend to evacuate at this time, and how will you cooperate with other countries in the evacuation process?
Minister Hayashi: The Embassy of Japan in Sudan has been working with Japanese nationals in the country to confirm various matters in anticipation of an assumed evacuation. However, due to the nature of the matter, I would like to refrain from revealing the details of such correspondence.
The Government will continue to work closely with the G7 and other major countries to ensure the safety of Japanese residents in the country, and we will do all we can in response to the situation.
Situation in Sudan (Russia’s response)
Mainichi Shimbun, Takeuchi: I would like to ask about the diplomatic approach to the situation in Sudan. I believe that in recent years, Russia has deepened ties with Sudan’s military regime in areas such as gold production. What kind of response does the Japanese Government expect from Russia? In the joint communiqué from the recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the G7 condemns the fighting and calls on the parties concerned to immediately cease hostilities, but does the G7 intend to reach out to Russia?
Minister Hayashi: I understand that Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling for prompt measures to cease fire, immediately after the military clashes on the 15th, local time.
In coordination with the countries concerned, Japan has been calling for a cessation of hostilities, as we did during the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Karuizawa, Nagano.
In addition, the Government will continue to work closely with the G7 and the international community to ensure the safety of Japanese residents in Sudan, including their evacuation.
Situation in Sudan (safety of Japanese nationals)
Asahi Shimbun, Nagasaki: I would like to also ask about the situation in Sudan. There are currently around 60 Japanese nationals there. What is your current understanding of the security situation in Sudan and the safety of the Japanese nationals there? In addition, what conditions, such as the security situation, do you consider to be necessary for the dispatch of Self-Defense Forces aircraft from Djibouti to Sudan?
Minister Hayashi: As of April 15, local time, we have received information that over 330 people have been killed in the armed clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that have mostly occurred in the capital, Khartoum. However, we have thus far not received any information regarding any deaths or injuries among the approximately 60 Japanese residents in the country. The Government is doing everything in its power to provide the necessary assistance to ensure the Japanese nationals’ safety.
Due to the ongoing urban warfare in the area, people are not able to go out at all, and power and water are cut off in most areas. The ceasefire was in effect until 6:00 p.m. local time on the 20th, which is 1:00 a.m. Japan time on the 21st, but I understand we have yet to observe the ceasefire, with gunfire being heard, for example.
The situation in the area is still fluid and we are considering various ways to ensure the Japanese residents’ safety of there, but due to the nature of the matter, I would like to refrain from providing any details.
Full embargo against Russia by the G7
Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to ask about sanctions against Russia. Prior to the G7 Hiroshima Summit, some reports suggest that the G7 is considering a total, or near total, ban on exports to Russia, which continues its invasion of Ukraine. What is the Government currently considering in this regard? Moreover, could you reiterate the Japanese Government’s policy on future sanctions against Russia?
Minister Hayashi: I am aware of the news reports you mentioned.
I would like to refrain from commenting on our communication with the G7 and other like-minded countries regarding future sanctions against Russia.
With Russia’s aggression becoming prolonged, it is important for the G7 to remain committed together to enforcing rigid sanctions against Russia, as well as to continuing strong support for Ukraine in order to end Russia’s aggression as soon as possible. We confirmed this point at the recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Japan intends to respond appropriately in close coordination with the countries concerned.