Press Conferences

Minister Kishida: In the wake of my reappointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs, I have decided to visit Germany immediately from September 8 next week.

Enhancing the presence of Japan through robust engagement in a wide range of global issues is my mission as Minister and an important issue for me following my reappointment to this post. I believe that this visit to Germany will constitute a first step towards it.

Germany is a very important partner which is engaging fearlessly with global issues such as tense situation in Ukraine, Syria and Iraq. I would like to hold in-depth discussions with Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Foreign Minister of Germany, on global issues and demonstrate Japan’s stance for contributing proactively to the international community.

Minister Kishida: Secondly, when I visited Ukraine in July, I received a request for support directly from Mr. Pavlo Anatoliyovych Klimkin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

In light of the recent rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Eastern Ukraine, the Government of Japan decided to provide emergency grant aid of USD 300,000 through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

This specifically shows the diplomatic stance of the Government of Japan that it will proactively contribute to the resolution of global challenges. I hope the grant aid will be some help for a solution of the Ukraine issue.

Hashizume, TV Tokyo: You have just referred to Ukraine. While a basic agreement on a cease fire has been made between Ukraine and Russia, assistance measures for Ukraine have been announced at the NATO summit meeting. Please tell us how the Government of Japan views it and what kind of attitude the Japanese Government will request to Russia and Ukraine.

Minister Kishida: First of all, I welcome the specific action toward a ceasefire is emerging. However, I also think that we need to closely monitor whether the cease fire will really be achieved and whether the cease fire will lead to peace. Therefore, I expect each of the concerned nations and people to make efforts for peace. Particularly, I will firmly request Russia to undertake constructive actions.

Then, concerning the NATO summit meeting, it started on September 4 and the second day of the meeting is scheduled on September 5. Therefore, I will keep my eyes on the second day of the meeting.

TV Tokyo: Today, Ho Jong-man, Chairman of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), will leave Japan to visit North Korea. Could you please tell us the relevant facts about this visit as they are understood by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and also its reaction to this visit?

Minister Kishida: I am aware of the reports of this visit, but the Government of Japan is not in a position to comment on it.

Ichinose, Kyodo Press: Your first trip abroad following your reappointment will be to Germany. It might be a result of a deliberation, but could you tell us the meaning of or the reasons for Germany as the destination of your first visit aboard, if there are any?

Minister Kishida: As I said a moment ago, Germany is a country that is playing a very important role in global issues, including the issue of Ukraine as well as a crucial partner for Japan as we tackle in a whole variety of challenges. Germany is also a very important country for Japan in terms of the G4 framework on the reform of the United Nations Security Council. Germany is therefore an essential country from these and many other perspectives and I have held talks with Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Steinmeier on numerous occasions. In April this year, Dr. Steinmeier visited Japan and attended the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) Ministerial Meeting that was held in Hiroshima, my hometown.

I hope to hold a robust and frank exchange of opinions with Dr. Steinmeier.

Arita, Nippon TV: In a flash opinion poll conducted jointly by Nippon TV and the Yomiuri Shimbun, 67% of respondents approved of the five women joining the new Cabinet, while 62% approved of the main ministers, including yourself Minister Kishida, remaining in office. These are extremely high numbers. Can you please give us your reaction to them?

Minister Kishida: I believe we must humbly accept the evaluations and opinions of the people. For the time being, we have received various opinions and judgments on the start of the new Cabinet. I will do my utmost to ensure that the Cabinet will be appreciated.

Nakagawa, Yomiuri Shimbun: This is in relation to your visit to Germany. It seems that there are reports in the ROK that Kang Sok-ju, Secretary of the Workers Party of Korea in North Korea, will also visit Europe during the same period. There are suggestions that you two might come into contact. Could you tell us, whether you are keeping such possibilities in mind?

Minister Kishida: I have given no thought whatsoever to the possibilities you refer to, and have no plans whatsoever in this regard.