Press Conferences

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: From yesterday to today, talks between EU 3+3 and Iran have been held in Geneva. We strongly hope to see specific achievements gained from the dialogue. Since the establishment of the Rouhani administration, there has been a rising momentum toward the peaceful resolution of Iran’s nuclear issues, and we hope to make full use of this opportunity.

Meanwhile, I will visit Iran from today for the first time in around four years as Japan’s Foreign Minister. I believe there is a role that we can play for the reason that we have a long-term relationship of friendship. I will have meetings with Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and President Hassan Rouhani with a strong determination to make active involvement in the peace and stability of the Middle East region along with calling on Iran on the nuclear issues while offering them concrete proposals. I will also thoroughly discuss our bilateral relationship and regional situation.

Further, at the following ASEM in India, we will discuss economic growth, regional situation among others. I hope to introduce Japan’s efforts, such as the revitalization of the Japanese economy through Abenomics and proactive contribution to peace. In addition, Japan will actively participate in discussions on the situation in East Asia and other matters. Moreover, on this occasion, I plan to hold a meeting with India’s Foreign Minister, attend the V4+Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, and also have a meeting with Nordic Baltic Eight Foreign Ministers, among others.

Yamazaki, Fuji TV: The Japan-China-ROK Vice Ministerial meeting was held in Seoul yesterday. As it seems there are no outlooks for a summit meeting, how do you view the current situation and what determination do you have for the realization of the meeting by the end of the year?

Minister Kishida: A Japan-China-ROK Senior Officials’ Meeting was held on November 7. I was briefed that regarding the importance of the Japan-China-ROK summit meeting, it had been agreed upon to work earnestly for the realization. I will keep an eye on such efforts, and as the ROK is the chair country, we hope to support its efforts.

Kikuchi, Asahi Shimbun: The Foreign Ministers of China and the ROK will also attend ASEM. Do you intend to ask for, or request on that occasion their cooperation on efforts to hold a summit meeting?

Minister Kishida: I will obviously attend the meeting, but at this point there are no specific schedules for individual contacts.

Nakamura, Nippon TV: I understand that you have just spoken with the Prime Minister on the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Specifically, what did you talk about?

Minister Kishida: I spoke with the Chief Cabinet Secretary, not the Prime Minister. While there will be various preparations going forward, I was told about the diplomatic part.

Imoto, TBS: Mr. Antonio Inoki returned from his visit to North Korea. What is your view as the Foreign Minister on his visit?

Minister Kishida: Firstly, regarding Japan’s relations with North Korea, the current situation is that travel is restricted as a general rule. Before anything else, I believe it is crucial for North Korea to take earnest and concrete actions toward denuclearization.

Imoto, TBS: Do you think that the visit was appropriate?

Minister Kishida: That is related to the rules of the Diet. My recognition is this is a matter that should be judged by the Diet under its rules.

Watanabe, NHK: Mr. Inoki went to North Korea and reportedly asked whether a delegate of Japanese MPs would be welcomed if dispatched, to which Jang Sung-taek, Kim Jong-un’s said guardian, replied they would gladly accept them. While visits between Japan and North Korea have been suspended in practice, North Korea’s intent was revealed to some extent. How do you view that?

Minister Kishida: Exactly as I mentioned earlier, as travels are limited in principle, for North Korea to show a concrete and earnest attitude toward denuclearization is of utmost importance.

Watanabe, Kyodo Press: There have been some reports that with regard to the movies on Japan’s territories which are posted on MOFA website, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to suspend for the time being taking on the Northern Territories issue. Will you clarify the fact, and if this is the case, what are the reasons?

Minister Kishida: I am not at all aware of that as a fact. I have not been reported like that. With respect to our public relations activities, I hope to continue promoting necessary activities using the MOFA Website, movies, flyers, leaflets and so on. I am aware that there are preparations also on the Northern Territories issue as it is an issue that must be addressed.