Press Conferences

Kyodo News, Kinashi: I would like to ask about the state of conservation report submitted by the Government of Japan to UNESCO. Yesterday, the press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK) expressed his regret that the report submitted by the Government of Japan contained insufficient explanations about the civilian workers from the Korean Peninsula who experienced forced labor. Please tell us the reaction of the Government of Japan to this.

Ms. ONO Hikariko, Press Secretary: We are aware of the statement by the ROK that you pointed out.

Japan has always taken the World Heritage Committee’s resolutions seriously and responded to them sincerely. We have clearly explained this point in this report as well.

The Government of Japan has also been engaged in dialogue with the Government of the ROK based on the past resolutions of the World Heritage Committee. It is our policy to continue this dialogue in the future. This policy is also clearly stated in the report we have just submitted.

Asahi Shimbun, Aibara: Chief Representative Yamaguchi of the KOMEITO Party recently announced that he is considering visiting the ROK and China during the year-end and New Year period. While this is part of the diplomacy of the Diet members, please tell us MOFA’s reaction to this statement.

Press Secretary Ono: We are aware of the fact that Chief Representative Yamaguchi has expressed his intention to visit the ROK and China.

We recognize that exchanges among Diet members and private sector exchanges with other countries are meaningful since they support bilateral relations.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Yokobori: The Biden administration of the U.S. is holding the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C., to strengthen cooperation with African countries. Japan has been making efforts to support Africa through TICAD and other initiatives. As China and Russia expand their influence in Africa, how do you view the moves of Japan’s ally, the United States?

Press Secretary Ono: We are aware that the United States is holding the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit in Washington, D.C., from December 13 to 15 for the first time in eight years.

As the very foundations of the international community continue to be shaken by Russia's aggression against Ukraine and other events, it is more important than ever for the international community to respond in unison, and the importance of Africa in the international community is increasing. Amidst this situation, we recognize the need to further promote cooperation with African countries.

Japan and the United States have been working together on various issues concerning Africa, and we intend to continue to work in close cooperation with the United States.