Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
Friday, July 21, 2017, 10:21 a.m. Front Entrance Hall, Prime Minister’s Office
This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only.
Japanese
Japanese
Opening Remarks
Visit to Kagawa Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture
Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I will visit Kagawa Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture as part of the sixth round of the "Local to Global" Project on July 22and 23. I will be accompanied by the diplomatic corps in Japan during my visit to Kagawa Prefecture.
These visits are aimed at making the attractiveness of Kagawa Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture known throughout the world, including through an udon noodle making event in Takamatsu, a tour of a soy sauce cellar and Olive Park on Shodo Island, and a symposium at Kobe University, thereby contributing to the further revitalization of the region.
These visits are aimed at making the attractiveness of Kagawa Prefecture and Hyogo Prefecture known throughout the world, including through an udon noodle making event in Takamatsu, a tour of a soy sauce cellar and Olive Park on Shodo Island, and a symposium at Kobe University, thereby contributing to the further revitalization of the region.
Exchange of Views with the Prime Minister
Reporter: You had dinner with Prime Minister Abe last night. What did you discuss?
Minister Kishida: We engaged in a very meaningful exchange of views for a period of about two hours. We shared opinions on a wide range of topics.
Reporter: Some media reports suggest that the Prime Minister sounded you out whether you would stay in the Cabinet. Is this accurate?
Minister Kishida: In principle, I would like to refrain from commenting on personnel decisions. They are matters decided by the Prime Minister. Nothing has been determined at this point.
Reporter: You have recently expressed your full support for the administration. Did you communicate this stance to the Prime Minister yesterday as well?
Minister Kishida: My view has not changed.
Reporter: Did you tell this to the Prime Minister yesterday too?
Minister Kishida: Basically, my view has not changed.
Reporter: What did the Prime Minister say about this point?
Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from providing any details.
Reporter: Is your commitment to support the administration the same whether you remain part of the Cabinet or return to a position in the party?
Minister Kishida: I did not say anything specific. I have already stated at the faction meeting that we must support the administration amid such difficult times for both the party and the administration. I would like to refrain from providing any further details.
Reporter: You just noted that personnel decisions are made by the Prime Minister. Will you accept if the Prime Minister asks you to continue to serve as Foreign Minister?
Minister Kishida: In principle, I would like to refrain from commenting on personnel matters. It is a matter of course that the Prime Minister makes the final decision. Personnel decisions are the purview of the Prime Minister.
Minister Kishida: We engaged in a very meaningful exchange of views for a period of about two hours. We shared opinions on a wide range of topics.
Reporter: Some media reports suggest that the Prime Minister sounded you out whether you would stay in the Cabinet. Is this accurate?
Minister Kishida: In principle, I would like to refrain from commenting on personnel decisions. They are matters decided by the Prime Minister. Nothing has been determined at this point.
Reporter: You have recently expressed your full support for the administration. Did you communicate this stance to the Prime Minister yesterday as well?
Minister Kishida: My view has not changed.
Reporter: Did you tell this to the Prime Minister yesterday too?
Minister Kishida: Basically, my view has not changed.
Reporter: What did the Prime Minister say about this point?
Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from providing any details.
Reporter: Is your commitment to support the administration the same whether you remain part of the Cabinet or return to a position in the party?
Minister Kishida: I did not say anything specific. I have already stated at the faction meeting that we must support the administration amid such difficult times for both the party and the administration. I would like to refrain from providing any further details.
Reporter: You just noted that personnel decisions are made by the Prime Minister. Will you accept if the Prime Minister asks you to continue to serve as Foreign Minister?
Minister Kishida: In principle, I would like to refrain from commenting on personnel matters. It is a matter of course that the Prime Minister makes the final decision. Personnel decisions are the purview of the Prime Minister.