Press Conferences

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: My question concerns MERS. Could you please tell us the circumstances and the current situation as understood by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the case of a Japanese woman subject to quarantine in the ROK having already returned to Japan?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: First of all, it is true the case that you referred took place. I understand that the person in question is currently under observation in a public health center.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Was there full communication between the Government of Japan and the Government of the ROK on the return to Japan of this Japanese woman, and do you think that there has been a complete sharing of information?

Minister Kishida: Yes. We have received a wide range of inquiries from the Government of the ROK, and we have been doing our utmost to cooperate. We are working hard to ensure communication and cooperation. But in any event, I am aware that currently there is absolutely no information on a Japanese national being infected or suspected of being infected of MERS.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Regarding this case, can I assume that the Government of Japan was contacted by the Government of the ROK prior to the return to Japan of the woman subject to quarantine?

Minister Kishida: As I just stated, we are in contact with the Government of the ROK and working to ensure communication. However, as some of the details of this communication touch upon personal information, I (as the Minister) must refrain from discussing them.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: The spread of the contagion has still not been brought under control in the ROK. Is the Government of Japan considering further raising the level of its measures in response to the outbreak, such as its travel information?

Minister Kishida: Yes. With regards to travel information, for example implementing travel or trade restrictions that are not based upon scientific evidence against a country where an outbreak is occurring can strike an economic and social blow against that country, and may even invite the further spread of the infection.

Therefore for these reasons, when deciding to disseminate such information, we use as reference the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO).

At the current point in time, the WHO has not issued such a declaration, nor is it recommending any restrictions on travel and trade to countries affected by MERS. As we are at this stage, I consider that Japan is not yet at the point where we take measures, such as disseminating information on the risk of infection, and call for the postponement of non-essential travel by persons planning to travel to countries affected by MERS.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: My question is concerning the relations between Japan and the ROK. We will greet the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the ROK on June 22. I would like to know how the coordination for the Government officials’ participation in the commemorating events is going.

Minister Kishida: Regarding the 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the ROK, events are scheduled to take place both in Tokyo and Seoul on June 22 respectively and I understand that invitations have been issued to various parties associated with the two countries, including Government officials.

However, I have not learned that details such as the participation of important persons have been determined at this point of time.

Fujikawa, TV Asahi: Do you mean coordination is currently being made for the visit to Japan by Mr. Yun Byung-se, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, around that time?

Minister Kishida: That’s right. Nothing has been determined yet. Coordination is being made now.

Fukai, TBS: Is there only one case, I mean one woman, for a Japanese related to the MERS?

Minister Kishida: I understand the fact that you have stated. However, while that is a fact, I will refrain from stating details about that.

Kojima, NHK: Do you mean you cannot comment even on the number of patients?

Minister Kishida: Right. I have stated previously what I have to say.

Nanjo, Sankei Shimbun: Minister, I would like to ask you about that. You stated that you cannot answer whether there was any notice from the Korean side prior to her departure from the ROK because that is related to the woman’s personal information. I do not think that is very much related to personal information, though, I think whether the Government of the ROK understood the situation correctly and gave a notice to the Government of Japan prior to her departure from the ROK is an issue regarding how the ROK Government understands the situation and therefore it is a matter of the MERS outbreak. So, can you tell us details within a range of your understanding?

Minister Kishida: As you stated, the Governments must carefully work to understand the situation. I think we need to firmly confirm information and communicate with the Government of the ROK appropriately.

However, we need to take various issues into consideration when we determine how far we will disclose the information thus collected. Therefore, what I have previously stated is what I have to say at this point. I think the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare mainly collects specific information. The entire Government will work together and coordinate. I think what MOFA should do is, first of all, to secure the safety of Japanese citizens abroad and then to steadily coordinate with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in quarantine of returnees and immigrants from the ROK to deal with the situation. In terms of information, I have previously stated what I have to say.

Nakagawa, Yomiuri Shimbun: Concerning the events held on June 22 related to the relations between Japan and the ROK, events, a music festival, and a concert will be held. Do you plan to attend any of them?

Minister Kishida: Nothing has been determined yet.