Press Conferences

NHK, Iwasawa:I would like to ask about the transfer of defense equipment and technology. Yesterday, the Government signed the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the UAE Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. Could you please share your thoughts on the significance of concluding this agreement with the UAE?

This is also the first agreement concluded with a Middle Eastern country. From the perspective of Japan’s security, could you please also share your expectations for the utilization of this agreement?

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs:The Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the UAE Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology, which was signed yesterday, establishes a legal framework for the Governments of Japan and the UAE regarding the handling of defense equipment and technology to be transferred between the two governments for joint research, development and production of defense equipment and technology and for enhancing cooperation in the field of security and defense.

This agreement is the first of its kind with a Middle Eastern country. I believe it will ensure appropriate control over the defense equipment and technology transferred between Japan and the UAE, especially regarding any subsequent transfer to a third party or any extra-purpose use. Furthermore, it is expected to contribute to closer cooperation between Japan and the UAE for defense equipment and technology, and maintaining and improving the production and technological bases for Japan’s defense industry, thereby contributing to the security of Japan.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question about treated water at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS). Regarding the plan to discharge treated water into the sea, a delegation of ROK experts completed its site visit yesterday. In the ROK, there has been strong domestic opposition to the discharge. Do you think Japan was able to gain the ROK side’s understanding through this visit? Please share your impression.

Minister Hayashi:Regarding the safety of ALPS treated water, Japan has been providing information and explanations based on scientific evidence to the ROK in a courteous manner through various opportunities, including director-general-level briefing sessions.

The delegation held a meeting in Tokyo with the Japanese side on May 22. From May 23 to 24, the delegation is visiting TEPCO’s FDNPS, observing facilities related to the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, and receiving explanations and information from the Japanese side in a courteous manner. In addition, on May 25, a summary session was held in Tokyo, where the Japanese side provided explanations based on scientific evidence in a courteous manner in response to questions and/or other points raised by the ROK side.

The Government of Japan will continue to provide explanations based on scientific evidence in a highly transparent and sincere manner, including accepting this delegation of ROK experts and other opportunities, so as to foster a deeper understanding in the ROK of the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea.

NHK, Iwasawa:I would like to ask about the issue of the former civilian workers during the Pacific War. Among the plaintiffs and others that the ROK court has ruled in favor of, one of the surviving parties has decided to accept the ROK Government’s solution and receive payment. This is the first time any of the three surviving parties has indicated a willingness to accept payment. Could you please share your views on this?

Minister Hayashi: I understand that the Government of the ROK is making its utmost efforts to gain the understanding of the plaintiffs for the measures it announced in March. I consider the recent announcement by the ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have been made in this context.