Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Kishida: From September 12 to 14, we will welcome Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on a working visit upon invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During his visit, we will be holding the 5th meeting of the Japan-Viet Nam Cooperation Committee, which will be co-chaired by both Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and myself. In addition, a working dinner with Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh is scheduled.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam. Through the Foreign Minister’s visit, we will further promote broad cooperative relations.

Sakamoto, NHK: Tomorrow, it will have been a year since the nationalization of the Senkaku Islands of Okinawa. Recently, a drone passed 100km north of the Senkaku Islands, and today seven Chinese vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters. As such, various actions that can be seen as provocative have continued. What is the recognition of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its measures against these recent activities?

Foreign Minister Kishida: Firstly, regarding the drone flight, we have been sharing information with the Ministry of Defense and are continuing to monitor the situation. In addition, we are remaining very watchful of the violation of our territorial waters by Chinese vessels while grasping the current situation. As September 11 nears, it is Japan’s fundamental recognition that the Japan-China relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships.

Furthermore, our bilateral relationship as the world’s second and third economic powers greatly relates to the peace and prosperity of the region, and of the international society. Therefore, Japan believes that our stable relationship is beneficial not only to our citizens, but also to the region and the international society. At the moment, Japan-China relations are in a very difficult phase. However, we will not allow any specific issues to affect our entire bilateral relationship, and based on this basic position of a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests, we must steadily maintain our bilateral relations.

In this bilateral relationship, we place high importance on dialogue, and the door for dialogue is always open. I will stress that Japan’s door for dialogue is always open at various levels, including for high-level political dialogue. These are our fundamental views on bilateral Japan-China relations on the eve of September 11.

Sakamoto, HNK: On the topic of Japan’s open door for dialogue with China, what is your recognition of the fact that there have been no top-level or Foreign Ministers’ meetings?

Foreign Minister Kishida: Dialogue has been conducted at various levels including at the working level. Dialogue has also been conducted on specific topics such as the environment and other matters. We hope to continue to build upon our communications, and on top of that, we also hope to promote high-level political dialogue. We hope to firmly emphasize the importance of such dialogue and communication.

Sakamoto, NHK: The possibility of U.S. military intervention in Syria has been gaining global attention while Syria’s civil war continues. In this context, what is your recognition of Russia’s new proposal, and what should be Japan’s response?

Foreign Minister Kishida: As you mentioned, countries have been making various efforts with the conviction that chemical weapons must never be used again. We support these efforts. In this sense, basically, we consider Russia’s proposal to be a positive move, although we still need to confirm many details. We will maintain close contact with relevant countries, while paying close attention to the substance of Russia’s proposal and Syria’s response. Japan will continue to strive to create an environment where violence is renounced, dialogue can be held, and the humanitarian situation can be improved.

Takei, Kyodo News: The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been decided. Going forward, how will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs address the holding of the Olympics?

Foreign Minister Kishida: Firstly, we are highly pleased that the holding of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo has been decided. Relevant parties in Japan have all made great efforts from their individual positions. The selection is the result of the collective involvement of the Japanese people from all fields. I pay sincere tribute to their efforts. The Ministry, in partnership with related ministries, will cooperate in holding the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo in seven years. During this time, specifically, various efforts will become necessary in each occasion. The Ministry will steadily fulfill its responsibility while promoting close partnership with relevant parties. That is all I can say at this stage.

Ono, Kyodo News:

Foreign Minister Kishida: Japan has been firmly and calmly responding to this issue, while steadily maintaining Japan’s fundamental position. Japan’s position and policy remains unchanged.

Kamide, Freelance: The overview of the act on preservation of secrets has recently been released. The Act relates to freedom of the press, and therefore, is very important. However, it does not stipulate that freedom of the press is guaranteed, and it is difficult to understand the details of the Act. How well are you aware of these points, and what do you think the future developments of the Act will be, including the concerns of the Japanese people and the press?

Foreign Minister Kishida: The importance of freedom of the press goes without saying. The Japanese Government must stay accountable to its citizens in order to gain their understanding of this Act. As a member of the Cabinet, I will steadily fulfill my responsibility while closely monitoring any further discussion.

Kurita, Hokkaido Shimbun: Recently, a summit meeting was held in Russia. How do you evaluate the meeting and how would you like to promote the realization of the first Japan–Russia 2+2 meeting?

Foreign Minister Kishida: On Japan-Russia relations, communication at the top level has been making progress, as can be seen from several top-level meetings held this year. Furthermore, the 2+2 meeting has been confirmed. I will make efforts as the Foreign Minister in order to achieve successful results on specific issues.