Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: We formulated the “Proactive Diplomatic Strategy for Countering Global Warming—Actions for Cool Earth,” which will be called ACE from its initials, according to an instruction from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and reported it at the Global Warming Prevention Headquarters.

This strategy comprises three pillars: The first one is the development of revolutionary technology for accelerating our efforts against climate changes; the second is disseminating Japanese technology overseas; and the third is a total of 1.6 trillion yen of financial commitments from both the public and private sectors to developing countries during the three years starting from 2013. We will coordinate with various parties concerned including each country as well as private enterprises to address global warming.

Minister Kishida: Regarding the typhoon damage in the Philippines, the affected areas are still in a very severe condition. The Government of Japan has already started providing support in every field, including human resources, finance and materials, and will continue its support as much as possible in the future as well in order to respond to the warm support received from the Philippines in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

For this purpose, the Government of Japan decided to extend an additional Emergency Grant Aid of 20 million US dollars in addition to the Emergency Grant Aid of 10 million US dollars that we had announced on November 12. Moreover, the Government of Japan newly decided to extend Emergency Grant Aid of 20 million US dollars from the fund Japan had established in the Asian Development Bank. The support from Japan has amounted to approximately 5.2 billion yen. We will provide such supports promptly in cooperation with concerned organizations so as to save as many people as possible.

In terms of confirmation of the safety of Japanese nationals, the safety of 54, an increase of five from the previous day, of 133 Japanese residents in Leyte and Samar Islands has been confirmed. We have dispatched personnel from the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines to the affected areas and will continue confirmation of the safety of Japanese residents with utmost efforts.

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: Concerning the Philippines, you have just mentioned financial support. Could you tell us about future support of rescue activities which is currently under consideration by the Government of Japan and also about the current status of rescue activities by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and by the Self-Defense Forces?

Foreign Minister Kishida: The medical team of the Japan Disaster Relief Team and a team coordinated by JICA have already arrived in the Philippines and started their activities in the affected areas. The medical team of the Self-Defense Forces and others have already arrived in the Philippines and has begun field works in order to start their activities.

We are also planning to expand such support of human resources while assessing the security conditions of the area. Regarding the Self-Defense Forces, I am aware that further support by the SDF is now under consideration.

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: Concerning Ms. Caroline Kennedy, the Ambassador-designate of the United States to Japan, she is scheduled to arrive in Japan today. I would like to ask you about what the Government of Japan expects from her and also what your expectations are from her.

Foreign Minister Kishida: I hope Ms. Caroline Kennedy, the Ambassador-designate of the United States to Japan, plays significant roles in strengthening and promoting Japan-U.S. relations in every field. I also hope that she has drawn a great deal of attention, so that will make people pay attention to the Japan-U.S. Alliance and Japan-U.S. relations.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: In your opening statement you talked about the Government’s goal for greenhouse gases. The guidelines indicate a 3.8% reduction below the level of the year 2005 but this can also be interpreted as an increase when compared to the 1990 level. I would like to ask your point of view on this.

Foreign Minister Kishida: I recognize that this figure is a numerical goal of the Government of Japan at present. The Government is currently in the process of considering Japan’s future energy policy, and Japan’s future energy balance. Therefore it is a figure that has been presented in the midst of this ongoing process. In the future, as a result of adjusting and exploring Japan’s energy policy, this figure will also have to be revisited, I would think. At the same time, I believe it is meaningful in demonstrating Japan’s current response in the international community.,/p>

Arai, NHK: I understand the 3.8% reduction was expressed at the latest COP, but is it necessary to go so far as presenting a figure in order to obtain the understanding of the international community?

Foreign Minister Kishida: Under the circumstances, with Japan alone not presenting a figure of any kind, I think it has a meaning in terms of explaining Japan’s present circumstances. And alongside that it is also necessary to explain that Japan is moving ahead with a new energy policy and is currently considering its energy balance. In line with that, we have been summing up issues such as how Japan will contribute to the international community in the proactive diplomatic strategy and proactive environmental diplomatic strategy, and this will be explained surely to the international community. I recognize that it is important to show how Japan will contribute internationally in the environmental sector based on all these factors combined.

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: I gather that a Japanese national has been detained in China on a charge of possession of a narcotic drug, or some other reason. Could you tell us of any confirmed facts ?

Foreign Minister Kishida: According to a report from the Consulate-General in Guangzhou, a Japanese man, who was to undergo safety inspection at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, was taken into custody, on a charge of possession of an illegal drug during the night of October 31, local time. The substance is presumed to be a stimulant drug. I know that this issue is currently in the process of judicial proceedings by the local security authorities in preparation for a trial.