Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: In total, there are three issues from me.. First, in today’s Cabinet meeting, the Government of Japan decided to recognize Niue as a state, which the country is in a free association relationship with New Zealand. We hope to strengthen the relationship with Niue, including cooperation in the international arena in the future.

Minister Kishida: The second issue is that from today, May 15, the Taiwanese authorities will strengthen import restrictions on Japanese foods.

The Government of Japan has repeatedly stated that these restrictions by the Taiwan authorities are unilateral measures which are not based on scientific evidence. It is extremely regrettable.

The Government of Japan shall continue to seek the withdrawal and relaxation of import restrictions from the Taiwanese side based on scientific evidence through the Interchange Association. At the same time, the Government of Japan will provide information related to the strengthen restrictions to relevant businesses.

Minister Kishida: The third point is that we are now at the final stage of the 2015 Review Conference for the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

In order to strengthen our negotiation system on location, first, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, Ambassador Yoshikawa has been instructed to join the delegation, and it was also decided to dispatch Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Sugiyama to New York. We intend to continue our diplomatic efforts so that our proposal toward advancing nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation is incorporated into the final document.

That concludes the three issues I wish to share with you.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: At the beginning you mentioned the state recognition of Niue. Could you explain why Japan chose this timing to recognize Niue, and what approach Japan will take with Pacific Island countries at the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) being held next week?

Minister Kishida: Niue is a state with a population of around 1,500 people situated 2,400km northeast of New Zealand, and so far 12 countries have given it state recognition. It is also a member of 34 international organizations. The Government of Japan has decided to give it state recognition, with a view to cooperation in the international arena in the future.

Regarding the PALM, the 7th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM7) is scheduled to be held on May 22 and 23. We are moving ahead with preparations while coordinating with Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, and we recognize this meeting as an important opportunity for highlighting the powerful recovery of the disaster-affected regions and strengthening cooperation and coordination between Japan and Pacific Island countries in connection with disaster reduction, climate change and sustainable development. I by all means intend to firmly continue with the preparations.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: In recent years China has been showing a very strong interest in the Pacific Island countries. What are your views on the relationship between China and these countries?

Minister Kishida: With regard to relations with Pacific Island countries, the Government of Japan also has made efforts thus far to confirm and strengthen its relationship through a variety of opportunities. Where relations with China are concerned, efforts by China to prioritize the rule of law, pursue peaceful development or strengthen its relations with countries peacefully should be welcomed by the international community.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: My next question concerns Japan’s goal of listing the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” as a World Heritage site. Following　the Republic of Korea (ROK), yesterday China also declared its opposition to the listing. How do you view this, and what measures are you taking?

Minister Kishida: The Government’s thoughts on listing Japan’s “Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution” as a World Heritage site are as I have mentioned thus far. We by all means hope that this matter will be deliberated from a technical and specialized perspective, and the listing will be approved. I certainly intend to continue to provide careful explanations to the countries concerned.

Shikota, Hokkaido Shimbun: My question concerns the halting of non-visa trips to the Northern Territories. Regarding the reason for this development, there is a view that changes in immigration rules by the Russian side are behind it. What is your understanding?

Minister Kishida: On the evening of May 13 we were informed by the Russian side that four islands exchanges that had been scheduled between May 15 and 18 and free visitation from May 19 to 22 cannot be implemented because internal coordination by the Russian side have not been completed.

In response to this, as a result of coordination carried out by the Cabinet Office and the implementing organization, the conclusion was reached that these two programs would have to be halted.

I find it regrettable that these programs have had to be halted as a result of internal circumstances. However, the Government of Japan intends to coordinate diligently to ensure the four islands exchange program is implemented as scheduled from late May.