Press Conferences

Press Conference by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida

Thursday, January 17, 2013, 10:05 a.m. Front Entrance Hall, Prime Minister’s Office

This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only.
Japanese

Opening Remarks

(1) Foreign Minister Kishida’s attendance at the Geneva II Conference on Syria

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: I am scheduled to attend the Geneva II Conference on Syria to be held in Montreux, Switzerland, on January 22. I regard the conference as extremely significant which will impact Syria's future situation. Japan will engage in humanitarian assistance to Syria and its surrounding countries and actively contribute to political processes for the breakthrough of the situation, and by doing so, serve to improve Syria's situation and stability in the Middle East.

(2) One year from the terrorism incident in Algeria

Minister Kishida: One year has passed since the terrorism incident in January, 2013. I take this opportunity to once again extend my deep condolences to the victims and their families.

In response to this incident, based on our security policy of Japanese nationals and companies oversea, we have addressed the strengthening of full readiness, enhancement of public-private sector collaboration, information gathering and communication, among others. The three pillars of foreign policy was established at the same time, namely, strengthening measures against international terrorism, support for the stabilization of Sahel, North Africa, and Middle East regions, and the third, the promotion of dialogue and exchange with Islamic and Arab countries" was addressed as foreign policy priority measures. Especially, we have implemented intensive public-private seminars which directly leads to the safety of Japanese nationals' and corporate activity overseas, further, measures such as the so-called ERT, the formation of emergency response teams to be swiftly dispatched to the areas in need, improved operation of the residence reporting system, and upgraded and enhanced provision of overseas safety information, have been implemented.

To implement further improvement and enhancement measures, for this fiscal year's supplementary budget and the next fiscal budget, approximately 29.3 billion yen for the relevant budget, including newly introduced 1.5 billion yen budget for enhancement of public-private sector collaboration and the strengthening of full readiness, has been allocated. On top of that, taking this opportunity, we have once again directed our overseas missions for a thorough private-public collaboration and information sharing, and reinforced cooperation with local security authorities among others. We will continue our efforts to strengthen our information collection capacity and analysis, and for enhanced measures to secure safety of all Japanese nationals and companies overseas.

Japan-U.S. relations

Imoto, TBS: Parliamentary Senior-Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Nobuo Kishi is visiting the U.S. and the Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the National Security Council Shotaro Yachi is flying to the U.S. today. In your words, Japan-U.S. relations are the most important bilateral relationship that is indispensable for regional peace and stability, and two countries’ alliance is the strongest ever. How did you receive the reports by Mr. Kishi and what do you expect of Mr. Yachi?

Minister Kishida: I conversed with Parliamentary Senior-Vice Minister Kishi on the phone yesterday and received his reports. I was told that, through holding meetings and contacting with various key U.S. officials, he reaffirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance and he would exert his efforts toward enhancing it. I expect him to continue to work hard to make sure the policy until the end.

In addition, the purpose of Mr. Yachi’s visit to the U.S. is, essentially, to pay his courtesies as he has taken office as the Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the NSC, and to build networks so as to make close contact. I expect him to have a fruitful visit that will be beneficial for the future.

Imoto, TBS: Do you view that Prime Minister Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine has not impacted Japan-U.S. relations?

Minister Kishida: Regarding the Prime Minister’s visit, we have explained Prime Minister’s intention through various channels between the two countries. If necessary, we will continue to explain sincerely. Based on Parliamentary Senior-Vice Minister Kishi’s briefings, I understand that both Japan and the U.S. have confirmed the policy that the two countries will make sure the significance of our alliance in a positive manner and strive to enhance it. In light of the importance of our alliance, we hope to work earnestly.

House of Councillors member Mr. Antonio Inoki’s visit to the DPRK

Imoto, TBS: House of Councillors member Mr. Antonio Inoki has returned from the DPRK. Regarding that trip, some requests were made, such as a visit to the DPRK by Keiji Furuya, Minister in charge of the Abduction Issue. How does MOFA react to this and will deal with that?

Minister Kishida: As a member of the Cabinet, I will refrain from commenting directly on a parliamentarian’s visit to the DPRK. At any rate, under the basic policy that diplomatic normalization of Japan and the DPRK necessitates the resolution of the abductions issue, the Government will firmly call for ensuring the safety of abductees, their immediate return, a full account of the abductions and the extradition of those responsible for the abductions. The Government of Japan’s policy remains unchanged.

New regulations on fishing of Hainan Province, China

Takagi, Kyodo Press: Hainan Province in China has started to control the fishery conducted by foreign fishing vessels operating in the South China Sea, which the U.S. and Philippines among others have been repelling. What are your views and MOFA’s response?

Minister Kishida: I am aware that such measures have been announced in Hainan Province. Upon confirming the real situation first, we must deliver a resolute message to China in concert with other relevant countries if it is an issue involving the freedom of the seas and the freedom of navigation. That is our line.

Prime Minister Abe’s Attendance at the Sochi Olympics

Nakamura, Nippon TV: I understand that the Russian side has requested for Prime Minister Abe’s attendance at the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics. What is the current situation?

Minister Kishida: Prime Minister’s schedules are yet to be set at this stage. They are under arrangements.

Nakamura, Nippon TV: February 7 falls on the Northern Territories Day and I question whether his attendance at the opening ceremony is appropriate if he makes it.

Minister Kishida: Every year, the Prime Minister attends the National Convention to Demand the Return of the Northern Territories on February 7. We are coordinating various engagements so that the Prime Minister can attend the Convention.

Nakamura, Nippon TV: If the Prime Minister actually attends the Sochi Olympic opening ceremony at such a time, what would be the possible ramifications?

Minister Kishida: I believe the Prime Minister’s attendance at the National Convention is important. Meanwhile, I hope that his attendance at the opening ceremony will be an opportunity to bring about positive outcomes in negotiations on the Northern Territories issue through reinforcing the entire Japan-Russia relationship.

Nakamura, Nippon TV: Is the Prime Minister’s visit still under coordination?

Minister Kishida: His schedules are under coordination.

Foreign Minister Kishida’s attendance at the Geneva II Conference on Syria

Takagi, Kyodo Press: On the attendance at Geneva II, regarding humanitarian assistance for Syria, what is Japan’s national strategy in extending assistance for Syria?

Minister Kishida: I recognize Geneva II as a vital conference of political dialogue. As I have consistently mentioned, the situation in Syria has been dire. I have repeatedly said that the earliest cessation of violence, holding of political dialogue and the improvement of humanitarian conditions are essential. In this context, I understand political dialogue, Geneva II as extremely crucial. In addition, as Japan is invited by the UN Secretary-General to this conference, I hope to attend it if schedules allow.

I believe starting such political dialogue is extremely significant, but future outlook remains unclear, and efforts will be necessary. Japan has continued providing humanitarian assistance. In this direction, we will deliberate what Japan can do, and on the Syria issue, which has a huge impact on the peace and stability of the Middle East region, we intends to make a substantial contribution in close cooperation with the international community. This is a vital challenge to Japan’s foreign policy.