Press Conferences

Mainichi Shimbun, Aoki:Yesterday, it was announced that the Government is coordinating Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Mozambique. What is the reason for choosing these four countries? What does Japan hope to discuss with each country? Additionally, are there any countries aside from these four that the Government will coordinate a visit to? Please answer these questions.

Ms. ONO Hikariko, Press Secretary:As Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno announced yesterday, the Government is coordinating Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Mozambique during Golden Week if circumstances permit.

All four are major countries in Africa. It is significantly important for Japan, which will hold the G7 Presidency this year, to visit these countries and confirm cooperation on the situation in Ukraine, initiatives for peace and stability in the region and to approach the G7 Hiroshima Summit based on the meetings with these countries.

As indicated at TICAD 8 last August, Japan intends to cooperate in realizing sustainable growth in Africa as “a partner growing together with Africa.” Through this visit, Japan will strive to enhance our relationships with these countries, which are major economic hubs in Africa.

Regarding the discussions with each country, I would like to refrain from answering based on speculation at this time. During the visit, Prime Minister Kishida is scheduled to hold meetings with the respective leaders of these major African countries. Ahead of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, Prime Minister Kishida will reiterate Japan’s determination to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law and exchange a wide range of views, including cooperation for addressing various global issues.

Kyodo News, Ueda:I have a question related to Taiwan. President Macron of France stated on the situation surrounding Taiwan that Europe should not become followers of either the United States or China, which prompted strong criticisms in Europe and the United States. While China is conducting large-scale military exercises to intimidate Taiwan, some have noted that President Macron is sending an inappropriate message to both the United States and China. What is the view of the Government of Japan?

Press Secretary Ono:We are aware of the reports you mentioned, however, the Government of Japan is not in a position to make a comment on all such reports.

What I will say is that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is an indispensable element in the security of Japan and the security and prosperity of the entire international community. The Government’s consistent position has been that we expect the issue surrounding Taiwan to be resolved peacefully through dialogue.

Regarding the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, Japan has firmly conveyed this to China and has clearly expressed this as the common position shared by other nations, working closely with our ally and like-minded countries, including the United States and France. We will continue to engage in such diplomatic efforts.

NHK, Morita:I have a question on the same topic. I think that the G7 Foreign Minister’s Meeting and the G7 Hiroshima Summit will focus on the situation in China and the Indo-Pacific region including Taiwan. What are your thoughts about the impact of President Macron’s remarks on such discussions?

Press Secretary Ono:The detailed agenda and discussion for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Karuizawa, Nagano from April 16 to 18 are currently being coordinated. In any case, the Government of Japan hopes to make this opportunity for candid and in-depth exchanges of views among the G7 foreign ministers regarding the urgent diplomatic issues facing the international community.

I would like to refrain from answering any further based on speculation at this time.