Press Conferences

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have two announcements at the outset.

If circumstances permit, I will be visiting Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, Argentina, and New York, United States from January 4 to 15 next year.

Let me explain the purpose of my visit to Latin America. Japan and Latin American countries have a long history of friendly relations and are important partners who share fundamental values. Taking into account that Japan will be assuming the G7 presidency next year, Japan and the countries will exchange views on issues facing the international community and further enhancing bilateral relations. In addition, we hope to further enhance cooperation in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on “the rule of law” and on addressing other critical international issues.

Latin America is also home to approximately 2.3 million Japanese emigrants and descendants, making it the largest Nikkei community in the world. A strong bond connects the Nikkei community to Japan, and I hope to deepen our exchanges with Nikkei people in various regions.

As for my visit to New York, Japan will serve as a member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council for two years starting from January 1, 2023. Given that the Security Council has been unable to deal effectively with matters such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Japan as a member of the Security Council intends to actively contribute to the fulfillment of its original responsibilities, engage in close dialogue with other countries, and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law.

On the 12th of January, the month that Japan will hold the Security Council presidency, I as the President will be hosting a ministerial-level open debate on the theme of the “rule of law.” The rule of law cannot be achieved solely between two countries. The UN, the core of multilateralism, and especially its key organ, the Security Council, have a heavy responsibility.

Inviting not only Security Council members but also a range of other UN member states, I would like to have a lively discussion that contributes to strengthening the rule of law in the international community, exchanging views with member states on the issues facing the international community regarding the rule of law.

Minister Hayashi: Secondly, I attended the 11th G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of this year on December 22 from 9:30 p.m. for approximately one hour.

At the meeting, the G7 condemned Russia’s intensifying attacks on civilian facilities, including energy infrastructure, and affirmed to provide necessary assistance to Ukraine, including further support to endure this winter.

I referred to our recently established National Security Strategy and expressed Japan’s intention to advance diplomatic efforts to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. In addition, I stated that the use of nuclear weapons by Russia or even the threat of such use is absolutely unacceptable. Furthermore, as the aggression becomes more prolonged, I stated that it was important to maintain and strengthen close cooperation among the G7, and as the country holding the G7 presidency next year, Japan intends to demonstrate the G7’s strong will not to accept any unilateral changes of the status quo by force.

As the situation surrounding the international community becomes more severe, I will take over the baton from Foreign Minister Baerbock and lead the discussion to ensure that the G7 is united in addressing the issues of the international community.

That is all from me.

NHK, Iwasawa: I would like to ask about your visit to Latin America and North America that was mentioned in your opening remarks. At the Security Council open debate, what does Japan want to advocate to participating countries regarding China’s hegemonistic moves? In addition, please tell us what specific topics will be discussed in Latin America, including whether the response to China will be discussed.

Minister Hayashi: First, regarding the Security Council, at the ministerial-level open debate on the theme of the “rule of law,” I intend to advocate the importance of the principles of the UN Charter and the rule of law.

In my capacity as President, I will urge the participation of not only Security Council members but also a range of other UN member states and ask for their opinions. I would like to have a lively discussion that contributes to strengthening the rule of law in the international community.

Latin American countries I will be visiting, including Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, and Argentina are important partners that share fundamental values, such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.

Furthermore, Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina are G20 members, and Brazil and Ecuador will be non-permanent members of the UN Security Council along with Japan next year. These are countries that are actively engaged in the efforts of international frameworks.

In the current situation, it is becoming ever more significant to further work with these countries to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law and address other key international issues.

Moreover, as the world faces supply chain disruptions and soaring food and energy prices, Latin American countries, which are rich in resources, are attracting attention from the viewpoint of economic security.

The Government of Japan intends to strengthen its relationships with Latin American countries more than ever before, and I hope to have discussions from this perspective during my upcoming visit.

Asahi Shimbun, Nohira: My question is somewhat related to the previous question. Next year, Japan will assume the G7 presidency and host the Hiroshima Summit. Coinciding with its return to the Security Council after six years, Japan will also assume the Security Council presidency next month and host a public debate on the rule of law. With a growing diplomatic agenda, please share with us your thoughts on the diplomacy that Japan aspires to conduct in the next year or two.

Minister Hayashi: The Security Council has been unable to deal effectively with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities and it is being put to test. On the other hand, the Security Council has also fulfilled a certain role, including resolving conflicts in various regions. It is a fact that many countries still have high expectations of the Security Council.

Under these circumstances, Japan, which will be joining the Security Council, intends to cooperate with the Security Council so that it fulfills its original role, engage in close communication and careful discussions with various countries. In this context, we will aim to maintain and strengthen the international order based on the rule of law.

Chugoku Shimbun, Higuchi: I have a question regarding the G7 Hiroshima Summit, which is less than five months away. Preparations are under way, including yesterday’s decision to have the Grand Prince Hotel serve as the main venue. With Japan officially holding the presidency from January 1, please tell us how Japan intends to build momentum.

Minister Hayashi: From next January, Japan will assume the G7 presidency. We will proceed with the preparations in consultation with relevant countries. At the G7 Hiroshima Summit, we intend to demonstrate with a historical significance the G7’s determination to firmly reject armed aggression, threats with nuclear weapons and attempts to overthrow the international order.

In addition, for a successful G7 Hiroshima Summit, the Government will make concerted efforts with the cooperation of the people of Hiroshima to ensure the smooth operation of the summit and complete security, among other measures. We will also make use of the summit’s logo that was decided this week and make strategic public relations efforts, including promoting Japan’s attractiveness.

Kyodo News, Ueda: I would like to ask about your visit to China. At the recent summit meeting, the two sides confirmed to arrange your visit to China. According to some reports, however, the visit will not take place within this year. Please tell us what is being worked out.

Minister Hayashi: At the recent Japan-China Summit Meeting, the two sides shared the view to maintain close communication at all levels, including the summit level.

In this context, Japan and China agreed to coordinate my visit to China, with China having extended an invitation. Nothing has been decided at this point.

We will continue to coordinate on the precise timing.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe: I would like to ask about the foreign ministers’ meeting with five Central Asian countries. As mentioned in your opening remarks, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is ongoing, and Central Asia has traditionally been described as falling under the Russian sphere of influence. Under the current circumstances, what are your thoughts on the significance of strengthening Japan’s relations with the countries of Central Asia?

Minister Hayashi: Tomorrow, the Ninth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue will be held, welcoming the foreign ministers of the five Central Asian countries. This year marks the milestone 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Central Asia, and I am delighted that the foreign ministers of the five countries will be visiting Japan for the first time together.

The countries of Central Asia are facing many challenges in the current severe international situation following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Under these circumstances, we hope to discuss cooperation approaches at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, with emphasis on “investment in people” and “quality of growth” so that the Central Asian countries can achieve sustainable development, and strengthen our collaboration in the future.

Furthermore, we plan to exchange candid views regarding the international situation, including the response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and East Asia. In addition, we plan to discuss cooperation for addressing risks of instability in the region, including Afghanistan which is adjacent to Central Asia.

At the meeting, we intend to share mutual recognition of cooperation between Japan and Central Asian countries in terms of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

NHK, Iwasawa: I have a question related to your U.S. visit in January. Please tell us whether you are considering holding a “2+2” or a foreign ministers’ meeting with the United States during your visit.

Minister Hayashi: Nothing has been decided regarding details such as the schedule of the next Japan-U.S. “2+2” or foreign ministers’ meeting.