Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs:I will visit San Francisco, the U.S., from November 12 to 16 to attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting, and the Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee Meeting (Economic “2+2”).

At the APEC Ministerial Meeting, I plan to communicate Japan’s position on key issues such as promoting free and open trade and investment, addressing global challenges, and promoting inclusive growth involving women and youth. I will also share my view that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has been affecting economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region and needs to be brought to an end as soon as possible.

At the IPEF Ministerial, with the aim of achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region, I will participate in and make constructive contributions to high level discussions on Pillar 1 (Trade), Pillar 2 (Supply Chains), Pillar 3 (Clean Economy), and Pillar 4 (Fair Economy).

At the Economic “2+2,” I intend to discuss diplomacy, security, and economy as one, and expand and deepen Japan-U.S. cooperation in the economic field, including achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region, maintaining and strengthening the free and open regional economic order, and cooperating in the field of economic security.

That is all from me.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I have a question related to APEC. Earlier you mentioned the IPEF. I believe the meeting will aim to reach an agreement on the four pillars. Could you please tell us how Japan has demonstrated leadership to this end, as well as what kind of economic diplomacy you will aim for as Japan’s Foreign Minister?

Minister Kamikawa:Various meetings, including APEC and IPEF, will be held back-to-back, which I plan to attend.

At the APEC Ministerial Meeting, I intend to communicate Japan’s position on key issues such as promoting free and open trade and investment, addressing global challenges, and promoting inclusive growth involving women and youth. I hope to contribute to the discussions together with APEC members towards the sustainable development of the region.

With regard to the IPEF, the negotiating round is currently being held in San Francisco. As your question concerns the outcomes of the ministerial meeting, I would like to refrain from answering based on speculation.

In any case, Japan places priority on the IPEF from the strategic perspective of the United States’ involvement in the economic order of the Indo-Pacific region. In addition, IPEF should be a framework for ensuring that countries reap substantive benefits. This is the position Japan has been taking in its efforts.

We will continue to contribute to the constructive discussions towards delivering tangible outcomes as soon as possible.

Kyodo News, Katsurada:I would like to ask a question about the recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. At the meeting, the members discussed and sent out a unified message regarding the situation in the Middle East. During the presidency press conference, you stated that Japan will continue to cooperate with international partners and make efforts as the G7 Presidency. Based on the discussions at the meeting, could you once again explain how Japan envisions the role it can play in the Middle East situation?

Minister Kamikawa:The issues surrounding the Middle East situation are complexly entwined with religion, ethnicity, and history, and we consider that the issues are not easy to resolve. To resolve the issues surrounding the Middle East situation, it is necessary to overcome these backgrounds and make various efforts. We believe that Japan, because it does not have historical entanglements, can play such a role. In this endeavor, two types of support are critical: support for realizing a “two-state solution” to create a future of coexistence; and support for the economic self-reliance of Palestine.

There is a marked economic disparity between Israel and Palestine. Japan has built a friendship and relationship of trust with the Middle East through working together, such as by promoting the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative towards achieving the economic self-reliance of Palestine.

During my visit to Israel, I met with families of the victims of the terror attacks by Hamas and families of people being held hostage, and I felt their deep sadness. At the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) headquarters in Jordan, I also had an opportunity to reunite with the students who visited Japan with UNRWA before and were unable to return to their homes in Gaza due to the recent terror attacks. On this occasion, I reunited with a student who said here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at that time, “My future dream is to become a scientist.” It struck me deeply that it is the role of politics and country leaders to ensure that these future dreams come true.

I believe that Japan, having favorable relations with both Israel and Palestine, is in a unique position to help end the cycle of hatred and sorrow, and support the realization of a future of coexistence through a “two-state solution.”

When I visited the region, I witnessed firsthand the deep trust placed in Japan. Based on the friendship forged by the local Japanese embassy, its contributions, and information obtained through various networks, we will leverage the comprehensive strength of Japanese diplomacy in the Middle East towards, in the short term, improving the humanitarian situation and calming down the situation, and, in the mid- to long-term, realizing a “two-state solution” and achieving peace and stability in the region. To this end, we will continue to build up various diplomatic efforts.

NHK, Igarashi:I would like to ask about the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine. On November 9, the U.S. White House announced that Israel will implement four-hour daily pauses for humanitarian purposes in northern areas of the Gaza Strip in Palestine, where the Israeli military continues to wage a ground invasion. Please share with us your reaction. In addition, while it overlaps with the previous question, could you once again explain how you envision Japan’s efforts toward overcoming the situation?

Minister Kamikawa:We are aware of the reports you are referring to. We are also aware that, since November 5, local time, the Israeli military has established corridors for evacuation from northern Gaza, and that many people are making their way to southern Gaza during the localized pauses.

At the recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we concurred to support humanitarian pauses and corridors. We are checking the measure that was announced, including its details. In any case, it is vital that such measures actually lead to urgently needed assistance, civilian movement, and the release of hostages.

The situation remains totally unpredictable. Japan will persistently continue our diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation, and calm down the situation as soon as possible, etc., while closely communicating with G7 members, relevant countries, and international organizations.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kudo: I would like to ask about the G7. On November 8, at the press conference, you stated that “there are ‘two more months,’ not ‘only two months,’ of Japan’s G7 Presidency.” You also stated that as the G7 Presidency you will be explaining the outcomes of the foreign ministers’ meeting to the Global South countries and others, and seek to gain their understanding. Which countries will you be meeting with on the occasion of the APEC Ministerial Meeting? Specifically, what points will you be explaining to countries to gain their understanding? Please also share if there is anything you would like to specifically focus on during the remaining two months of the Presidency.

Minister Kamikawa:The APEC Ministerial Meeting offers a very important opportunity. I intend to hold bilateral meetings with as many countries as possible and deepen our cooperation with them. The countries I will be holding bilateral meetings with are currently being arranged. In any case, we will seize various opportunities to obtain the support and engagement of the broader international community, including the so-called “Global South” countries, on matters such as maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Additionally, you asked me if there is anything Japan would like to specifically focus on during the remaining two months of its G7 Presidency.I realize that, throughout this year, Japan engaged in various activities and accumulated outcomes in its capacity as the G7 Presidency, a position that comes with significant responsibilities.

At this week’s G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we discussed urgent issues, including the situation in the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific, which has significant strategic importance, as well as Ukraine, which has been discussed in various formats to date.

Based on such outcomes, Japan intends to fulfill the responsibilities of the Presidency until the very end in addressing the urgent issues facing the international community, including the Middle East situation. Italy will assume the Presidency next year. I conveyed what I just stated to the Foreign Minister of Italy. In addition, as part of the G7’s agenda, we also confirmed that Japan would be passing on the baton to the next Presidency amid this situation. I intend to work hard until the very end of the two remaining months to heighten the G7’s unity and then pass on the baton.

Pan Orient News, Azhari:Increasing Israeli and Arab reports suggest that no evidence is showing that Hamas beheaded Israeli children. They also say that most of the Israeli civilian victims were killed by the Israeli military itself when it was shelling the houses in panic. So some Palestinian officials are calling for an international investigation in Israel's claims on who killed the Israeli civilians. Would Japan support an investigation into Israeli claims?

Minister Kamikawa:We do not know the details of the investigation you noted. Therefore, I would like to refrain from speaking on this matter, including Japan’s involvement. All acts should be taken in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. We have been conveying to Israel the importance of protecting civilians. We will continue to urge Israel to act in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law.

Anadolu Agency, Furkan:Israel’s attacks have killed over 11,000 civilians in the Gaza Strip, more than 70% of whom were innocent women and children. This week, the G7 Foreign Ministers condemned Hamas but used softer language in reacting to Israel’s attacks in Gaza. Some Japanese citizens are urging and calling on the Government of Japan to express its position more clearly, in contrast with the G7. Does Japan have any intention to condemn the killings of innocent civilians by Israel or call for a ceasefire, taking a different stance from G7 partners? Or does the Government of Japan agree with the G7 in not condemning Israel’s attacks in Gaza?

Minister Kamikawa:As uncertainty increases in the international situation, it is becoming ever more important that the G7 members, which share fundamental values and principles, cooperate with each other. I consider that the G7 serves as a valuable forum for foreign ministers to hold candid discussions on various themes, ranging from existing issues to new developing challenges.

Japan has unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, and has called for: firstly, the immediate release of people being held hostage and securing the safety of civilians; secondly, all the parties acting based on international law; and thirdly, calming down the situation as soon as possible. From the outset, Japan has maintained and clearly communicate this consistent position.

With Israel, we have been emphasizing similarly the importance of protecting civilians and calling on Israel to act in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law. I also directly conveyed Japan’s message to Foreign Minister Cohen of Israel at the recent Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Japan will persistently continue our diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation, and calm down the situation as soon as possible. At the same time, Japan will continue to promote confidence-building among the parties involved, through Japan’s unique efforts including the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative.

Nikkei Shimbun, Nemoto:Regarding the four-hour daily pauses for humanitarian assistance in Gaza announced by the U.S. Government, you responded with your views earlier based on the discussions at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Do you think this measure needs to be expanded to cover more hours, areas, and organizations, for evacuating civilians, releasing hostages, and delivering supplies? Do you consider this measure as a step that will lead to a permanent ceasefire? Please share with us your thoughts.

Minister Kamikawa: Currently, there is various information, and we are aware of the measure. We understand that, since November 5, local time, the Israeli military has established corridors for evacuating from northern Gaza, and that many people are making their way to areas in the south during the localized pauses.

At the recent G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as well, we concurred to support humanitarian pauses and corridors. We consider humanitarian pauses and corridors to be a means for solving issues of the extremely severe humanitarian situation and releasing the hostages as soon as possible. It is critical that these measures actually lead to urgently needed assistance, civilian movement, and the release of hostages.

The situation is totally unpredictable. To ensure that such measures can be realized, Japan will maintain close communication with G7 members, relevant countries, and international organizations, and make efforts so that the situation improves and, beyond that, leads to a peaceful resolution overall.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto:I have a question about the G7, which may slightly overlap with previous questions. At the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ministers concurred on humanitarian pauses as underscored by the United States. The G7 sought temporary pauses and not a ceasefire. In contrast, the resolution adopted by an overwhelming majority at the United Nations General Assembly on October 27 did not condemn Hamas and called for the rescinding of the evacuation order by Israel and humanitarian pauses. This was close to the meaning of a ceasefire. It is known across the world that the United States has a pronounced bias in favor of Israel. I suspect that the U.S.-led G7 is becoming isolated in the world. Do you believe that Japan’s continued participation in the G7 without voicing criticisms is aligned with national interests?

Minister Kamikawa:As this year’s G7 Presidency, Japan has been leading the G7’s discussions and delivering outcomes, with priority given to issues such as maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law and strengthening engagement with international partners.

At the same time, Japan has been communicating about these critical issues through various regional frameworks as well as with like-minded countries and others individually. We will continue to make such diplomatic efforts and play a proactive role in the international community.