Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Following the recent terrorist incident regarding the murder of Japanese, I intend to pursue initiatives on the foreign diplomacy according to three pillars.

Firstly, I will work on strengthening counter-terrorism measures. Last month in Brussels I announced assistance for counter-terrorism capacity-building in the Middle East and Africa, and at that time I came out with a new assistance of approximately 7.5 million U.S. dollars. That will now be doubled to a contribution of approximately 15.5 million U.S. dollars (equivalent to 1.83 billion yen).

Secondly, I will enhance diplomacy towards stability and prosperity in the Middle East. I will deploy proactive diplomacy at the leader and foreign minister-levels, and further expand humanitarian assistance totaling approximately 200 million U.S. dollars.

Thirdly, I will support the creation of societies resilient to radicalism. Along with undertaking support for putting the “The Best Way is to Go in the Middle” concept advocated by the Prime Minister into practice, I will also expand people-to-people exchanges.

Furthermore, in June we will hold a high-level seminar in Tokyo. Based on this recent incident, and with promoting moderation as a main theme, we intend to create an opportunity to share with the world the experience and lessons of peace-building in Asia.

Additionally, if circumstances allow, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakayama will attend the ministerial conference on countering violent extremism that will be held in Washington in the U.S. on February 19. He is scheduled to explain these ideas of the Government in more detail.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Regarding the 15 million U.S. dollars you just mentioned, am I correct in understanding that the focus of this is on capacity-building for counter-terrorism, not humanitarian assistance?

Minister Kishida: Yes.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: What is the reason for that?

Minister Kishida: As you pointed out, this will be put towards border control and the improvement of investigation and prosecution capacity, as well as support for equipment relating to counter-terrorism. And regarding the second pillar of support that I mentioned, the focus will be on humanitarian assistance, medical care and food. It differs to the first pillar for counter-terrorism as I said.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Also, what level are you considering for the high-level seminar in June?

Minister Kishida: That is something I want to coordinate with each country. In considering the content of the seminar and others, more concretely from here on, I would also like to think about the level required.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Changing the subject, attacks continue in eastern Ukraine even after the ceasefire agreement, and it appears that things are not heading towards a situation in which the ceasefire agreement will be implemented any time soon. How do you view this?

Minister Kishida: I have been receiving information suggesting that some attacks have been continuing after the ceasefire agreement was reached. I continue to keep an eye on the situation. The Government of Japan hopes that the ceasefire will actually be implemented and the circumstances will improve. We intend to continue to make an effort while keeping an eye on the situation, as well as emphasizing coordination with the G7.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Regarding Japan-North Korea consultations, I realize that since consultations took place in Pyongyang in October last year Japan has been undertaking various lobbying via the embassy route, but am I correct in assuming that there has been no reaction from the North Korean side in response to it?

Minister Kishida: The Government of Japan continues to work the North Korean side to provide a report promptly and honestly, and we are also seeking to communicate with North Korea via the embassy route and so on. I certainly hope for a prompt report.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: When you say you are seeking to communicate, am I correct in understanding that even though there has been no prompt report, you are getting answers in some form or other from North Korea regarding the current state of the investigation?

Minister Kishida: At present no report has been forthcoming yet. I would like to refrain from discussing any other detailed exchanges at present.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: As Minister, how do you view the outlook for reopening official consultations?

Minister Kishida: We are continuing to make efforts, and certainly hope that there is a prompt and positive response from the North Korean side.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Do you believe that even if there is no specific initial report, it would be meaningful to meet and have a discussion?

Minister Kishida: We are committed to seeking a prompt and honest report. We want to have North Korea respond seriously.

Matsumoto, Jiji Press: My question concerns the counter-terrorism measures. You stated that the third pillar involves measures to create societies resilient to radicalization, but can you give us specific measures that will create societies that are resilient to radicalization?

Minister Kishida: I think that fundamentally these measures will be focused upon people-to-people exchanges. These sorts of exchanges with Islamic and Arabic societies will deepen mutual understanding. I believe that to achieve this, expanding people-to-people exchanges will play a central role in this pillar. I think that it is extremely important that we improve mutual understanding through these sorts of exchanges.

Umekawa, Reuters: The first pillar concerns assistance for counter-terrorism capacity building in the Middle East and Africa regions. Please explain again the reasons for this doubling of assistance.

Minister Kishida: I announced this initiative during my recent speech in Brussels. I gave this speech prior to when the terrorist incident in Syria reached its regrettable conclusion of the murder of Japanese hostages. Moreover, there are still a number of other terrorist incidents in various parts of the world after that. Based on such a situation, we considered what Japan’s response should be. As a result of this, I announced the counter-terrorism measures as I just explained. . This is the background to this pillar.