Press Conferences

Yomiuri Shimbun, Tanikawa:The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just announced that the Japan-ROK Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue will be held for the first time in nine years. Please tell us the significance of holding the dialogue, and the results you expect.

Ms. KOBAYASHI Maki, Press Secretary:We have just announced that the 14th Japan-ROK Vice-Ministerial Strategic Dialogue will be held in Seoul on October 5 between Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs OKANO Masataka and His Excellency Chang Ho-jin, 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Based on the results of the Japan-ROK Summit Meeting held during President YOON Suk Yeol’s visit to Japan in March of this year, this dialogue will be held for the first time in about nine years. I will refrain from answering based on speculation with regard to what kind of results we expect, but we hope that both sides will have a meaningful exchange of views from a strategic perspective on Japan-ROK relations, regional affairs including North Korea, and global challenges.

Asahi Shimbun, Nagasaki: I have a follow-up question on Japan-ROK relations. In a speech on September 27, YUN Dukmin, the Ambassador of the ROK to Japan, expressed his understanding that a new statement should be issued to follow the 1998 Japan-ROK Joint Statement. I think that he made the comments because Japan-ROK relations are improving. Could you share with us the Government of Japan’s view on this matter?

Press Secretary Kobayashi:I am aware of the comments by Ambassador Yun that you are referring to, but the Government of Japan will refrain from answering based on speculation.

That being said, Japan and the ROK are important neighboring countries that should cooperate with each other as partners in dealing with various issues facing the international community. Considering the severe security environment, close cooperation between the two countries has never been more necessary than it is now.

We will continue to advance concrete Japan-ROK cooperation projects through close communication between our two countries, and we will demonstrate that cooperation to the world in an appropriate manner.

Kyodo News, Hayashi:Yesterday, it was reported that House of Councillors member SUZUKI Muneo visited Russia and met with senior Russian government officials. Although reports indicate that a Russian-led ceasefire and the like were discussed, I would like to ask how the Government of Japan views House of Councillors member Suzuki’s actions and whether it is aware of the contents of the meeting and other relevant matters.

Press Secretary Kobayashi:We are aware of the reports and the Russian announcement. However, I will refrain from commenting on House of Councillors member Suzuki’s individual remarks.

The Government basically issues at least a level 3 “avoid all travel” travel advice and warning for all of Russia, and we are urging citizens to avoid traveling to Russia for any purpose.

That being said, the Government is not in a position to respond about the details of House of Councillors member Suzuki’s visit to Russia. In addition, the Government was not notified by House of Councillors member Suzuki of his visit, neither in advance nor afterwards.