Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa
Friday, November 11, 2022, 4:39 p.m. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japanese
Opening Remarks
(1) Visit to Nagasaki Prefecture by Foreign Minister Hayashi (“Local to Global” Project)
Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have three announcements at the outset today.
First, on November 12, I am scheduled to visit Nagasaki Prefecture with members of the diplomatic corps in Japan as part of the “Local to Global” Project to promote the attractiveness of Japan’s regions to the world. During this visit, I will be accompanied by Mr. TAKEI Shunsuke, State Minister for Foreign Affairs.
During this visit, I will visit sightseeing spots filled with Nagasaki’s unique charms and a facility that produces local specialties together with members of the diplomatic corps, and promote the charms of Nagasaki to the world.
In addition, I will hold a roundtable dialogue with people including youth based in Nagasaki who are actively contributing to a wide range of fields, and exchange views on Japan’s diplomacy and the promotion of the attractiveness of the region.
(2) The International Group of Eminent Persons
Minister Hayashi: Second, we have been carrying out necessary coordination to convene the International Group of Eminent Persons for a “World without Nuclear Weapons” in December, and recently decided to hold the first meeting in Hiroshima on December 10 and 11.
This group was launched by Prime Minister Kishida as a platform for participants from both nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states to freely and actively discuss the specific path toward realizing a “World without Nuclear Weapons,” allowing them to share wisdom beyond their respective positions of their own countries.
This meeting will be chaired by Professor SHIRAISHI Takashi, Chancellor of the Prefectural University of Kumamoto.
In addition, if schedule permits, we are making arrangements for Prime Minister Kishida to attend the opening session on the morning of December 10.
The Government of Japan will take the opportunity of the meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons to proceed in accordance with the “Hiroshima Action Plan,” announced by Prime Minister Kishida at the Tenth NPT Review Conference in August, and will take realistic and practical steps toward realizing a “World without Nuclear Weapons.”
(3) Emergency Grant Aid for Somalia
Minister Hayashi: Third, on November 11, the Government of Japan decided to extend Emergency Grant Aid of $14 million in total to support the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Somalia is facing a serious food crisis due to drought and requires an urgent response. Under these circumstances, the Government of Ukraine decided to donate Ukrainian wheat to Somalia. Japan, through the United Nations World Food Programme, will support the transportation of wheat to Somalia and its distribution to local sites.
In close coordination with like-minded countries, Japan will continue to support countries concerned about the deteriorating food crisis due to the rising food prices, including wheat, caused by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
That is all from me.
The International Group of Eminent Persons for a “World without Nuclear Weapons”
Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: I would like to ask about the International Group of Eminent Persons for a “World without Nuclear Weapons” that you have just mentioned. It will be very meaningful to hold this meeting amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the nuclear threat by Russia. Please tell us your thoughts on the expected outcomes of this meeting.
Minister Hayashi: The meeting has not been convened at this point. Therefore, I would like to refrain from answering about any outlook or outcomes of the discussions based on speculation. However, during the meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons, I expect that participants from both nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear-weapon states will freely and actively discuss the specific path toward realizing a “World without Nuclear Weapons,” allowing them to share wisdom beyond their respective positions of their own countries, with the involvement of current and former political leaders of various countries.
Remarks by Minister of Justice HANASHI Yasuhiro
NHK, Iwasawa: I would like to ask about the dismissal of a cabinet minister. Prime Minister Kishida has decided to dismiss Minister of Justice HANASHI. What is your reaction to the dismissal of the Minister, who is a member of the same faction as you? In addition, please tell us your thoughts on the effects of this matter on the government administration.
Minister Hayashi: I believe that Minister of Justice Hanashi should fulfill his responsibility of explaining his own remarks as a politician, which you pointed out. I am aware that Minister Hanashi has self-reviewed and sincerely reflected on a series of remarks he made. As a result, has taken them back.
I would like to refrain from commenting on the effect of this on the administration from the position of Foreign Minister.
Asahi Shimbun, Nohira: In relation to the previous question, due to the dismissal of a cabinet minister, Prime Minister Kishida’s scheduled departure to the 25th ASEAN-Japan Summit this afternoon was postponed. Please tell us your reaction to this and your thoughts on further impacts on the other schedules and relevant diplomatic influence.
Minister Hayashi: It is true that there has been a change in the Prime Minister’s schedule, but I would like to refrain from commenting on any effects this may have at this point.
We are currently making arrangements regarding the Prime Minister’s departure and the meeting scheduled for tomorrow.
The International Group of Eminent Persons for a “World without Nuclear Weapons”
Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: I would like to ask again about the International Group of Eminent Persons. Specifically, regarding the involvement of current and former political leaders of various countries, please tell us the status of coordination. Could you also confirm the information of whether former U.S. President Obama will deliver a video message?
Minister Hayashi: Including the person that you enquired about, we are currently working out the details of the involvement of political leaders and the participation of experts.
Situation in Ukraine (Case of the Death of a Japanese National)
Mainichi Shimbun, Miyahara: I would like to ask about the death of a Japanese national in Ukraine. As it was also explained in the Chief Cabinet Secretary’s press conference, the death of a Japanese man in his 20s on November 9, who had been participating in the fighting with the Russian forces, was confirmed by the Ukrainian authorities on November 10 local time. What information has been confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), how MOFA will respond to his family, when the body will be returned to Japan, and how MOFA will issue alerts to those who plan to travel to Ukraine?
Minister Hayashi: The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine has confirmed to the Ukrainian authorities on November 10 local time that a Japanese man who had participated in the fighting against the Russian forces passed away in Ukraine on November 9 local time.
The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine is currently providing necessary support from the perspective of protecting Japanese nationals, such as contacting the family of the deceased and coordinating with the Government of Ukraine, which is managing the body.
As for further responses, MOFA has already issued a recommendation for evacuation from all of Ukraine and would like to repeat that Japanese nationals should not travel to Ukraine for any purpose. In addition, I would also like to state that Japanese nationals who are already in Ukraine should evacuate immediately after ensuring their safety.
ODA Budget
Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is about the ODA. I know you made some remarks but my question is about the value of some yen loans and the grants might decrease as a result of falling yen. Would Japan increase the ODA budget balance the change in the exchange market? Thank you.
Minister Hayashi: Considering the situation where the ODA project budget has been affected by the yen depreciation and price hikes, we have responded by allocating additional budget for affected and ongoing ODA projects in the supplementary budget, which was recently decided by the Cabinet.
For your information, in this supplementary budget, the ODA budget, including support for Ukraine and support for developing countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and other regions, has increased significantly compared to the previous fiscal year, even on a dollar basis.
Needless to say, ODA is an important policy tool for Japan’s diplomacy. The policy of expanding ODA is also included in the Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2022. We will steadily expand the ODA budget to prevent any loss of ODA due to the ongoing depreciation of yen and will continue to work to secure the necessary budget to enhance our diplomatic efforts.
Situation in Ukraine (Case of the Death of a Japanese National)
NHK, Iwasawa: I would like to ask a question related to the volunteer army in Ukraine, which was mentioned earlier. You have confirmed the death of the Japanese man who was participating in the fighting with the Russian Army. Please tell us your reaction to this matter.
Minister Hayashi: Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine threatens the foundation of the international order, and the Government of Japan has strongly urged Russia to immediately cease its aggression and withdraw its forces.
Amidst such a situation, it is truly regrettable that a Japanese national passed away in Ukraine.