Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
Tuesday, July 16, 2013, 10:17 a.m. Front Entrance Hall, Prime Minister’s Office
This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only.
Japanese
Japanese
Opening Remarks
(1) Marking six months since the occurrence of the terrorism incident in Algeria, and the first meeting of the "Intensive Public-Private Joint Seminar On Overseas Safety Measures"
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: Today marks exactly six months since the terrorism incident in Algeria. I would like to once again express my deepest condolences to the victims and their families, and offer my heartfelt sympathy to all those who suffered damages.
As one of the specific measures related to “strengthening public and private sector cooperation” recommended in the panel of experts’ report on this incident and others, we will hold the first meeting of the “Intensive Public-Private Joint Seminar On Overseas Safety Measures” on July 25 in Tokyo. The theme of this seminar will be “Terrorism Trends in the Middle East and North Africa, and Companies’ Information Gathering”. Based on the recommendations made in those reports, we will continue to swiftly carry out concrete measures aimed at ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals and companies operating overseas.
As one of the specific measures related to “strengthening public and private sector cooperation” recommended in the panel of experts’ report on this incident and others, we will hold the first meeting of the “Intensive Public-Private Joint Seminar On Overseas Safety Measures” on July 25 in Tokyo. The theme of this seminar will be “Terrorism Trends in the Middle East and North Africa, and Companies’ Information Gathering”. Based on the recommendations made in those reports, we will continue to swiftly carry out concrete measures aimed at ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals and companies operating overseas.
Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations
Yamashita, TV Asahi: As there have been working-level discussions between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK), will you explain the outlook for a coming summit meeting? Also, any word on the visit to Japan by Mr. Kim Kyou-hyun, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK?
Minister Kishida: First of all, Japan-ROK relations is an important neighboring relationship. We share fundamental values and interests. The ROK is an important partner for Japan. During Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Akitaka Saiki’s recent visit to the ROK, we exchanged views on a wide range of topics and agreed to continue our close communication going forward. We hope to continue to develop future-oriented Japan-ROK relations based on a broad perspective.
I am aware that Mr. Kim Kyou-hyun, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK is scheduled to visit Japan to attend an inauguration ceremony commemorating the completion of renovations to the ROK Embassy in Japan on July 18. Based on our policy of steadily building upon our communications, as a meeting etc. with Vice Minister Saiki takes place and efforts are extended, we hope to further advance this policy.
Sakamoto, NHK: Do you mean that it is your understanding that Vice Minister Saiki is scheduled to hold talks with First Vice Minister Kim?
Minister Kishida: Japan-ROK vice-ministerial talks during First Vice Minister Kim’s visit to Japan is currently under coordination. We hope to work in a proactive manner.
Sakamoto, NHK: Will there also be a meeting or courtesy call on you?
Minister Kishida: Nothing has been decided at this time.
Minister Kishida: First of all, Japan-ROK relations is an important neighboring relationship. We share fundamental values and interests. The ROK is an important partner for Japan. During Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Akitaka Saiki’s recent visit to the ROK, we exchanged views on a wide range of topics and agreed to continue our close communication going forward. We hope to continue to develop future-oriented Japan-ROK relations based on a broad perspective.
I am aware that Mr. Kim Kyou-hyun, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK is scheduled to visit Japan to attend an inauguration ceremony commemorating the completion of renovations to the ROK Embassy in Japan on July 18. Based on our policy of steadily building upon our communications, as a meeting etc. with Vice Minister Saiki takes place and efforts are extended, we hope to further advance this policy.
Sakamoto, NHK: Do you mean that it is your understanding that Vice Minister Saiki is scheduled to hold talks with First Vice Minister Kim?
Minister Kishida: Japan-ROK vice-ministerial talks during First Vice Minister Kim’s visit to Japan is currently under coordination. We hope to work in a proactive manner.
Sakamoto, NHK: Will there also be a meeting or courtesy call on you?
Minister Kishida: Nothing has been decided at this time.