Press Conferences

Yomiuri Shimbun, Yokobori:A delegation of experts from the Republic of Korea (ROK) is visiting Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) to observe the discharge of ALPS treated water. As the momentum builds for improving Japan-ROK relations, what outcomes does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expect from these observations?

Ms. ONO Hikariko, Press Secretary:Regarding the safety of ALPS treated water, Japan has been providing scientifically based information and explanations to the ROK in a courteous manner through various opportunities, including director-general-level briefing sessions. In this context, at the May 7 Japan-ROK Summit Meeting, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan will continue to provide the ROK with explanations based on scientific evidence in a highly transparent and sincere manner, while undergoing the reviews by the IAEA. The two leaders concurred on the dispatch of a delegation of ROK experts to TEPCO’s FDNPS this month, so as to foster a deeper understanding in the ROK. This delegation is currently in Japan.

The delegation held a meeting in Tokyo with the Japanese side on May 22. From yesterday, May 23, to today, 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, tomorrow, May 25, a summary session will be held in Tokyo. The Japanese side is scheduled to provide 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 scientifically based explanations in a highly transparent and sincere manner, by accepting this delegation of ROK experts and holding director-general-level briefing sessions as we have been doing, so as to deepen understanding in the ROK of the safety of discharging ALPS treated water into the sea.

Asahi Shimbun, Nagasaki: I have a question about President Zelenskyy of Ukraine attending the G7 Hiroshima Summit in person. I understand some invited countries expressed a view that the Ukraine-Russia war should be discussed at the United Nations (UN). As the G7 Presidency, please explain once again the significance of President Zelenskyy attending in person.

Press Secretary Ono:I believe you are referring to the remark made by President Lula of Brazil, during his press conference. I am aware of the remark.

At the G7 Hiroshima Summit, during the session attended by invited countries, including President Lula, the countries concurred that: firstly, all countries should adhere to the principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; secondly, confrontation should be resolved peacefully through dialogue; thirdly, any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable; and fourthly, we strive to uphold the international order based on the rule of law.

As for Japan and Brazil relations, at the Japan-Brazil Summit Meeting held on May 20 on the margins of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, the two leaders concurred on the situation in Ukraine that “rule of law” is important, not rule by force, and to work together toward the maintenance and strengthening of an international order based on the rule of law.

Building on the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, including President Zelenskyy attending in person, and considering the points that we, including the invited countries, concurred upon, Japan will continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to work together with other countries in maintaining and strengthening an international order based on the legal order.