Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: At today’s Cabinet meeting the Government decided to sign the Japan-Ukraine Investment Agreement. The signing is scheduled to take place in Kyiv on February 5. I am concerned by the recent escalating conflicts in eastern Ukraine, but essentially Ukraine is a market offering considerable potential promise. I believe the conclusion of this agreement will respond to the strong hopes of Japanese companies, and is also significant in terms of supporting Ukraine by promoting investment from Japan.

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: The U.S. will host an international conference on countering terrorism on February 18. Could you comment on what progress is being made in deciding who will attend this?

Minister Kishida: The recent case of the murder of Japanese hostages also made me keenly aware of the importance of international solidarity. I also recognize the importance of the conference in the U.S. However, in terms of the timing, Diet proceedings are also approaching an extremely important phase. Regarding the attendance to the conference, I believe it will be necessary to carefully consult with the parties concerned.

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: As Minister, do you feel you would like to attend personally?

Minister Kishida: I intend to carefully consult with the parties concerned about who attends, including at what level.

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: My question concerns security legislation. Is the Government considering developing legislation that would make it possible to dispatch the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for Japanese nationals living overseas, so that it would become possible to respond in cases such as the latest ISIL incident?

Minister Kishida: In regards to your point, I recall that the Prime Minister stated at yesterday’s Budget Committee meeting that the SDF would not be dispatched to Syria regarding the recent incident.

Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: That being the case, conceivably what sorts of rescues of Japanese nationals living overseas will become possible as a result of this legislation that is being developed?

Minister Kishida: Where the development of the legislation itself is concerned, I am aware that coordination is currently underway in the ruling parties. The discussions are continuing, so I do not believe it is appropriate for me to make any comment about the content as Minister at this stage.

Ohki, Yomiuri Shimbun: According to some reports, Mr. Kenji Goto who was murdered was being moved to the Turkish border just prior to being released. This was reported as information coming from dissidents. Was the Government of Japan aware of information of this sort?

Minister Kishida: In this incident, a variety of information flew about continuously from the outset. The Government would like to refrain from commenting on each and every piece of information.

Kojima, NHK: The Chief Cabinet Secretary held a State Minister-level meeting on international terrorism today. As Minister, do you have any ideas about what approach should be taken, in terms of counter-terrorism efforts and the verification of the Government’s responses in the wake of this incident?

Minister Kishida: Where the verification work is concerned, the Government will carry it out internally. I understand that this was stated by the Chief Cabinet Secretary. Initiatives such as that will be carried out, I believe. And where our response in the future is concerned, the Government is aware that ensuring the safety of Japanese citizens is an extremely important issue. Within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also, a team will be established to explore how to ensure safety, and I know the Government as a whole will have to tackle the issues firmly.

In the medium to long term, there is poverty and oppression behind terrorism, so we must also engage in humanitarian aid and other support in the Middle East region. I believe the Government as a whole should work firmly on various issues.