Press Conferences

Kurihara, NHK: Yesterday the delegation of the Japanese Government that was dispatched to Pyongyang arrived back in Japan. I understand that the details are to be provided by the Chief Cabinet Secretary, but I would like to ask what your frank impressions are after hearing the report.

Minister Kishida: I too listened to the report myself. The consultations took place over two days for 10 and a half hours, and the delegation was able to firmly convey the Government of Japan’s position, which is that the abductions issue is the top-priority issue. The delegation also received an explanation from the North Korean side on the structure of the investigation, the investigation methods, and the current circumstances. In any event, I believe that we were able to firmly request that the investigation is carried out quickly, and that the findings are reported promptly and accurately.

Kurihara, NHK: Regarding the dispatch of this delegation, do you believe the decision to dispatch the delegation was a good one? After hearing the report?

Minister Kishida: There were a variety of debates domestically, but the Government dispatched the delegation based on its decision that a delegation should be dispatched. We recognize that it will be important to solidly connect this to various outcomes.

Kurihara, NHK: In terms of the importance of connecting it to outcomes, today an explanation will be given to the Association of the Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea, and I expect various issues will be discussed, but do you have any comment on the Government’s future responses?

Minister Kishida: We have received the delegation’s report. I believe the Government as a whole must thoroughly consider the issues and make a comprehensive decision on the future responses.

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: At the recent consultations was there an explanation of any kind from the North Korean side regarding the timing of the first report?

Minister Kishida: Regarding the details such as that, I would like you to listen to the press conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Makita, Kyodo Press: Before the delegation visited North Korea there were concerns voiced by the families of victims of abduction and others that dispatching the delegation could lead to Japan being dragged into North Korea’s pace. Now that the visit to North Korea has taken place, am I correct in assuming this was not a concern?

Minister Kishida: The Government of Japan’s way of thinking and objectives in dispatching the delegation to North Korea were as stated prior to the delegation departing. As I said earlier, I believe that the Government of Japan was able to firmly convey the points it attached importance to and it aims to, in dispatching the delegation, to the North Korean side.

Nakagawa, Yomiuri Shimbun: I actually observed the developments in Pyongyang myself, and at the start of the meeting North Korea’s Special Investigation Committee indicated that it would report on the issue of the remains, but was there in fact any such concrete explanation of investigation outcomes or the efforts that will be made in the future?

Minister Kishida: I ask that you refer the details of the matter to the Chief Cabinet Secretary.