Press Conferences

Minister Kishida: On September 19 the Government of Japan decided to provide 22.7 million US dollars of emergency grant aid in order to support Iraq and its neighboring countries, which are facing an enormous humanitarian crisis as a result of ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant).

ISIL is a threat not only to the Middle East but to the entire international community. The Government of Japan intends to continue to proactively engage in humanitarian support and counter-terrorism activities from the standpoint of cooperating with the fight against terrorism.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: My question concerns humanitarian support. Does the Government intend to contribute in areas other than humanitarian support, such as providing logistics support for the military and other assistance being implemented by the United States?

Minister Kishida: The Government of Japan has supported countries in their fight against terrorism, and from that standpoint, it has continued to provide humanitarian support as well as support for neighboring countries.

The Government intends to continue to fully examine the support that it can provide, such as humanitarian assistance and support for neighboring countries.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Currently Japan-ROK Director-General level talks are taking place within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and could you explain what themes in particular Japan would want to raise in the consultations today, and what the outlook is in terms of whether or not some progress will be made with those issues?

Minister Kishida: I’ve heard that the talks are already underway today. They started with the Japanese side represented by Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Mr. Junichi Ihara and the ROK side represented by Director-General for Northeast Asian Affairs Mr. Lee Sang-deok.

As always, discussions will be held on matters of interest to both sides, I understand. At the present stage I would like to refrain from commenting on the content and course of those discussions.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: In previous talks I think Japan has raised the issue of the ban on imports of fishery products in relation to the nuclear accident, but what is your outlook for this issue?

Minister Kishida: Both sides are scheduled to raise matters of interest. I think that as before, the Government of Japan will also continue to discuss matters that are of interest to Japan, including the point you raised.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: The public referendum on Scotland’s independence has closed. However, I would like to ask what your views are on the fact that the situation has become like this?

Minister Kishida: I do not think the Government of Japan is in a position to make any comment on Scotland’s public referendum, although the matter is attracting worldwide attention. Japan too will pay close attention to developments.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Next week you will participate in a Foreign Ministerial Meeting of the G7 at the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly. Given that Europe and the U.S. are announcing additional sanctions against Russia, I expect that the Government of Japan is also considering doing so. Do you intend to announce additional sanctions by the G7 Foreign Ministerial Meeting?

Minister Kishida: Where the response to Russia is concerned, I think the Government of Japan must look carefully at the various circumstances, such as the situation in Ukraine, and after taking those circumstances into account, consider appropriate responses while emphasizing cooperation with the G7. At this stage nothing specific has been decided regarding what will be done, or when.

Muramatsu, Asahi Shimbun: My question concerns U.S. offensives against ISIL. A number of problems have been pointed out about launching airstrikes against Syria in terms of international laws. I think Japan is supportive on the issue of the fight against terrorism, but what is the Government’s view regarding U.S. airstrikes within Syria?

Minister Kishida: As I said earlier, Japan supports countries in their fight against terrorism. Yet, where each country’s specific responses are concerned, I think Japan has to carefully watch future developments and then decide and consider its responses and so forth.

At this stage I intend to continue to watch the situation carefully.

Yamamoto, Sankei Shimbun: Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori is visiting the ROK today and is scheduled to meet President Park Geun-hye. Can I ask your view on this and if you have heard anything from the Prime Minister?

Minister Kishida: Of course I am aware of this, but I’ve also heard that the arrangements on this meeting were still underway. I did not hear the Prime Minister say anything specifically about it.

Makita, Kyodo Press: Mr. Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan is visiting Japan for the first time in five years, and while it may be difficult for the Government to consider, is there any framework that includes the Government and the ruling parties to provide an opportunity to meet or interact with him? Or as it is five years since he last came to Japan, it seems he will be undertaking a number of visits and giving various lectures. Can I ask your response to his visit?

Minister Kishida: Mr. Lee Teng-hu is scheduled to visit Japan from September 19 to 25. But as it is a private visit, I don’t think the Government of Japan is in a position to comment upon it.

In addition, I myself am not sufficiently aware of the details of his schedule.

Ichinose, Kyodo Press: Is it correct to understand that the Cabinet decided today to provide humanitarian aid to Iraq?

Minister Kishida: The Cabinet decided to provide the 22.7 million US dollars of emergency grant aid I mentioned in my opening remarks. There are various types of aid, such as support to the surrounding countries and conventional humanitarian aid, and these are being coordinated. Today’s aid is related to ISIL.