Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: The Government draft of the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) was made at the Global Warming Prevention Headquarters today. Following the completion of the necessary domestic procedures, including receiving public comment commencing on June 3, we intend to submit the INDC as promptly as possible.

The 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP21) that will be held in Paris, France, at the end of this year is an important meeting at which a new framework on climate change will be adopted.

Based on the INDC that will be officially decided upon, the Government of Japan will continue to proactively engage in international negotiations in order to achieve a fair and effective framework with the participation of all countries.

Fujita, Fuji TV: Yesterday former House of Representatives speaker Nobutaka Machimura passed away, and I would like to ask about your views on that.

Minister Kishida: I was extremely shocked by the sudden news of his death. Former House of Representatives speaker Machimura also previously served as Foreign Minister, and I also have memories of working with him on policies for Okinawa in the Fukuda Cabinet, when Mr. Machimura was Chief Cabinet Secretary and I was Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs.

Also, I served as Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, and so I have memories of making an all-out effort with Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura to coordinate with other ministries in order to set up the Consumer Affairs Agency.

Mr. Machimura was my senior and was someone who gave me guidance in a variety of fields and on various challenges. I received the news that a senior who I sincerely respected had died with great regret and sadness. I would like to once again offer my heartfelt prayers for the repose of his soul.

Fujita, Fuji TV: Concerning Japan-ROK relations, yesterday former Prime Minister Mori held a meeting with ROK President Park Geun-hye. During the meeting, President Park requested that the statement on the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II incorporate recognition of history. What are your views regarding that request?

Minister Kishida: Where the history issue is concerned, we have been explaining Japan’s stance on the recognition of history to the ROK repeatedly, and we intend to continue to provide careful explanations so that the ROK side firmly understands the Government of Japan’s position.

Fujita, Fuji TV: Given that another country is making a request about this statement, would it be prudent to accept that request as advice? Or is it better to ignore it as noise?

Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from saying anything about such comments. In any event, thus far the Government of Japan has continued to explain its stance on the history issue, and intends to continue to provide careful explanations.

Fujita, Fuji TV: My question concerns MERS. It has been reported that the first death has occurred in the ROK and its spread across Asia can be seen. Are all possible measures being taken to prevent its spread to Japan?

Minister Kishida: First, I am aware that MERS is not limited to the Middle East and it has spread to various countries, such as China and the ROK. To begin with, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will gather information from the point of view of ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals.

We are providing information and issuing warnings by, for example, updating information on the infectious diseases that affect wide areas.

So first of all, from this viewpoint of ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals, I consider that we must continue to disseminate information to Japanese nationals residing overseas. In addition, I believe that we must work in coordination with the relevant government ministries to take domestic measures and to prevent its spread to Japan.