Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
Tuesday, May 12, 2015, 8:48 a.m. Front Entrance Hall, Prime Minister’s Office
This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only.
Japanese
Japanese
Illegal importation of matsutake mushrooms from North Korea
Fukai, TBS: This morning the second son of Ho Jong Man, Chairman of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, and others were arrested on violating the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. What impact do you think this will have on Japan-North Korea consultations?
Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Regarding the case you mentioned, I am aware that today the police arrested three suspects for illegally importing matsutake mushrooms from North Korea. I am aware that the police are undertaking an investigation based on law and evidence.
With regard to your question about the impact on Japan-North Korea relations, the police are investigating the case you mentioned based on law and evidence. On the other hand, where Japan-North Korea relations are concerned, the Government of Japan is responding sincerely on the basis of the Japan-North Korea agreement in May (last year).
We by all means urge the North Korean side to carry out the investigation at its Special Investigation Committee swiftly and report the results promptly and honestly.
Fukai, TBS: Previously, when the home of the Chairman of the General Association was searched in March, the North Korean side objected, and there is a possibility those objections will intensify this time too. Does the Government of Japan hold concerns that the Japan-North Korea consultations could end up becoming deadlocked?
Minister Kishida: I am aware that the police are undertaking an investigation based on law and evidence. On the other hand, where Japan-North Korea relations are concerned, as I mentioned earlier, we must move things forward sincerely on the basis of the Japan-North Korea agreement in May (last year).
The Government of Japan is responding firmly. We are also requesting a response from North Korea. The policy of the Government of Japan remains unchanged.
Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Regarding the case you mentioned, I am aware that today the police arrested three suspects for illegally importing matsutake mushrooms from North Korea. I am aware that the police are undertaking an investigation based on law and evidence.
With regard to your question about the impact on Japan-North Korea relations, the police are investigating the case you mentioned based on law and evidence. On the other hand, where Japan-North Korea relations are concerned, the Government of Japan is responding sincerely on the basis of the Japan-North Korea agreement in May (last year).
We by all means urge the North Korean side to carry out the investigation at its Special Investigation Committee swiftly and report the results promptly and honestly.
Fukai, TBS: Previously, when the home of the Chairman of the General Association was searched in March, the North Korean side objected, and there is a possibility those objections will intensify this time too. Does the Government of Japan hold concerns that the Japan-North Korea consultations could end up becoming deadlocked?
Minister Kishida: I am aware that the police are undertaking an investigation based on law and evidence. On the other hand, where Japan-North Korea relations are concerned, as I mentioned earlier, we must move things forward sincerely on the basis of the Japan-North Korea agreement in May (last year).
The Government of Japan is responding firmly. We are also requesting a response from North Korea. The policy of the Government of Japan remains unchanged.
Deployment of CV-22 Osprey aircraft to Yokota Air Base
Fukai, TBS: My next question concerns the deployment of Osprey aircraft to Yokota Air Base. Concerns have been raised about safety and other aspects of the Osprey aircraft from the development stage, and I imagine that some citizens are voicing concerns. How does the Government intend to deal with those issues and provide explanations?
Minister Kishida: First of all, regarding the deployment of CV-22 Osprey aircraft that you mentioned, I am aware that the United States side has released a host nation notification and publicly announced the deployment.
And to begin with, I believe this deployment will lead to the enhancement of the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and contribute to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, I believe the Government of Japan will have to continue to make efforts to provide careful explanations to local governments in the vicinity and gain their understanding.
Minister Kishida: First of all, regarding the deployment of CV-22 Osprey aircraft that you mentioned, I am aware that the United States side has released a host nation notification and publicly announced the deployment.
And to begin with, I believe this deployment will lead to the enhancement of the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and contribute to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. At the same time, I believe the Government of Japan will have to continue to make efforts to provide careful explanations to local governments in the vicinity and gain their understanding.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Russia
Fujikawa, TV Asahi: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will visit the Russian Federation and meet with President Vladimir Putin, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov and others. I would like to ask what your views are on this, and how your own trip to Russia is being coordinated.
Minister Kishida: With regard to Secretary Kerry’s visit to Russia, I believe that dialogue between the United States and Russia is important by means of resolving the Ukraine issue peacefully and diplomatically, and I intend to observe that dialogue closely.
Furthermore, with regard to a visit to Russia by Japan’s Foreign minister, I believe that a comprehensive decision should be made about this by taking a variety of circumstances into consideration. At the present point in time nothing has been decided.
Minister Kishida: With regard to Secretary Kerry’s visit to Russia, I believe that dialogue between the United States and Russia is important by means of resolving the Ukraine issue peacefully and diplomatically, and I intend to observe that dialogue closely.
Furthermore, with regard to a visit to Russia by Japan’s Foreign minister, I believe that a comprehensive decision should be made about this by taking a variety of circumstances into consideration. At the present point in time nothing has been decided.
Minister Kishida’s tenure in office (10th longest term since World War II)
Nakagawa, Yomiuri Shimbun: A similar question to this was asked at the press conference following the Cabinet meeting on Friday, but tomorrow you will become the 10th longest-serving Foreign Minister in history, and along with looking back on the progress made thus far, I would like to ask what areas you intend to engage in further.
Minister Kishida: In my work as Foreign Minister I believe I must continue to make efforts without losing sight of the starting point. Since I was appointed I have been engaging in diplomacy with the three pillars of my foreign policy.
I by all means intend to continue to make daily efforts to build up accomplishments, centering on the three pillars.
Minister Kishida: In my work as Foreign Minister I believe I must continue to make efforts without losing sight of the starting point. Since I was appointed I have been engaging in diplomacy with the three pillars of my foreign policy.
I by all means intend to continue to make daily efforts to build up accomplishments, centering on the three pillars.