Press Conferences

Arita, Nippon TV: It is being reported that the Republic of Korea (ROK), following on China, is displaying a negative attitude at the NPT Review Conference over the issue of visits to Hiroshima and Nagasaki by world leaders. How do you view this? Also, I understand that Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Shinsuke Sugiyama traveled to New York and gave a speech at the Conference, and I would like to ask what sort of discussions will take place toward restoring it in the future.

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Japan is making recommendations to the NPT Review Conference centering on five issues, and is making an effort to put them reflected in the outcome document. Regarding the issue that you mentioned of having world leaders visit the sites of the atomic bombings, it would be extremely meaningful in terms of increasing the momentum for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation to have world leaders experience the reality of the bombings, while advancing cooperating with the relevant countries based on the framework of this Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) , and it is based on that idea that we are making an effort and requesting that this is included in the outcome document.

The discussions are continuing at the NPT Review Conference itself, and I certainly intend to continue to make an effort to see that our proposals are included in the outcome document.

Arita, Nippon TV: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry visited the ROK and held a meeting with Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, and the issue of improving the relationship between Japan and the ROK also surfaced as a topic. In one month, on June 22, it will be the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty on Basic Relations Between Japan and the ROK. How do you intend to endeavor to improve Japan-ROK relations including the holding of summit meetings?

Minister Kishida: To begin with, I am aware of the reports about the point that you raised. Difficult problems exist between Japan and the ROK, but the ROK is an important neighbor, and the Government of Japan hopes to promote relations in a future-oriented manner. This year is a milestone year, the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations. I by all means intend to make an effort to ensure that this year becomes a positive year.

Between Japan and the ROK, we have always said that the door for dialogue is open. I recognize that it is important to build up dialogues at various levels including the leaders’ level.

Odanaka, Mainichi Shimbun: One ROK-related issue is the World Heritage site issue. There is speculation that director-general level talks may be held on May 22, and I would like to ask once again what stage the coordination is presently at. The ROK side seems to be requesting that seven facilities be excluded, and I would like to ask again as to what sort of negotiating position will be adopted?

Minister Kishida: Firstly, regarding the issue you mentioned I am continuing to encourage the World Heritage Committee countries, including the ROK, to ensure that a decision should be made following discussions and deliberations by the World Heritage Committee from a technical and specialized perspective. I intend to continue to encourage the World Heritage Committee countries, including the ROK, to respect the recommendation by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) which stated that the sites are worthy as a World Heritage site, and to make a decision in line with that advice.

We are continuing to make an effort, and the Government intends to work on it while firmly confirming information.

Kuronuma, Nikkei Shimbun: In an interview with our newspaper about next year’s United States presidential election, key Republican candidate Jeb Bush stated that “The Japan-U.S. alliance is particularly important” and explained that he “appreciates Prime Minister Abe’s contributions to the alliance.” How do you view those comments, and what is your impression of them?

Minister Kishida: Firstly, with regard to Prime Minister Abe’s recent visit to the United States, I recognize that this visit to the United States confirmed just how much Japan and the United States have been contributing to the peace and stability of the region and the world since the end of World War II, and also confirmed that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to be important and should be strengthened further.

I understand the comments by Jeb Bush that you mentioned are probably one indication that the importance of the alliance to both parties, Japan and the United States, is something that is being fully acknowledged within the United States.

Konno, Asahi Shimbun: There are reports that you are seriously considering visiting Russia. I would like to ask the timing of the visit, what the significance of visiting Russia is, and how far along the coordination for the visit is.

Minister Kishida: At the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting held on the sidelines of the APEC in November last year, the leaders shared the view that President Putin would visit Japan at an appropriate time this year. However, a final decision on the visit to Japan will be made while taking a variety of circumstances into consideration comprehensively, and at present nothing has been decided.

In addition, concerning the foreign minister’s visit to Russia, which is the preliminary step for President Putin’s visit, at present nothing is decided. Comprehensive consideration will continue to be made.