Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
Friday, March 27, 2015, 8:16 a.m. Front Entrance Hall, Prime Minister’s Office
Japanese
Emergency grant aid to the Pacific island countries in response to the cyclone disaster
Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: At today’s Cabinet Meeting, I made a report that emergency grant aid of 1.24 million US dollars will be extended to three international organizations including UNICEF as assistance to Pacific island countries, namely, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands and Kiribati, in response to the cyclone disaster.
The Government of Japan is scheduled to provide emergency humanitarian assistance in the fields of health and nutrition, water and sanitation, education, food, shelter, and emergency medical care while cooperating with such international organizations.
Impact of the incident of the Violation of Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act to Japan-North Korea consultations
Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: Yesterday, Related to the violation of Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, police searched the home of Mr. Ho Jong Man, Chairman of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, and others. What impact do you think this incident might have on Japan-North Korea consultations?
Minister Kishida: Regarding the issue that you mentioned, I will refrain from commenting as the police are currently investigating that. The policy of the Government of Japan remains unchanged, that is, we continue to urge the North Korean side to make an immediate and honest report by the Special Investigation Committee.
Yamaguchi, TV Tokyo: Do you mean the investigation is not related to Japan-North Korea consultations?
Minister Kishida: The policy and stance of the Government of Japan remain unchanged.
Japan-China relations (the ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary of end of war)
Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: The Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China stated that the ceremony commemorating the 70th anniversary does not target Japan. The Government of Japan has not clarified its response. Could you tell us the reason?
Minister Kishida: In the year that marks the 70th anniversary of end of the war, the Government of Japan considers that it is important to show that Japan tackle with common challenges that the international community is facing in a future-oriented manner. Regarding the ceremony you mentioned, we have conveyed our ideas. We intend to keep a close eye on the progress related to this issue.
Lee, Hong Kong Phoenix TV: Did you clearly respond to the Chinese side?
Minister Kishida: We clearly conveyed such ideas.