Press Conferences

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: My question concerns Japan-Russia relations. Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs commented that there had been an approach from the Japanese side about a visit to Russia by Minister Kishida from August 31 to September 1. Is that correct?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: First, nothing has been decided regarding my visit to Russia. Where that issue is concerned, a variety of perspectives will be explored overall in our efforts to realize a visit to Japan by Russian President Vladimir Putin at an appropriate time this year, which has already been agreed upon by the leaders of both countries. There is no such fact that the Government of Japan has proposed a specific schedule.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: There is no such fact?

Minister Kishida: No.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: Which means what?

Minister Kishida: We have not proposed a date, and nothing has been decided.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: In regards to Japan and China, the Chinese side has announced that Mr. Xi Jinping, President of People's Republic of China, has officially invited Prime Minister Abe to a ceremony on September 3. Could you comment on this?

Minister Kishida: Nothing has been decided about the schedule in relation to the ceremony on September 3, and we have not received a letter of invitation.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: You have not received a letter of invitation?

Minister Kishida: That is correct.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: I have another question about China. Chinese authorities have reportedly detained around 100 lawyers, said to be human rights lawyers. How does the Japanese side view this?

Minister Kishida: As you pointed out, there has been a series of reports that many human rights activists and lawyers have been detained. The Government of Japan is concerned about this situation. We believe in the importance of universal values such as freedom, respect for fundamental human rights, and the rule of law in the international community. The Government of Japan intends to strongly call for these universal values to be guaranteed for all Chinese citizens, including these lawyers and human rights activists. I intend to continue to pay close attention to the situation.

Chijiiwa, TV Asahi: In terms of confirming the facts, was what you just said based on reports?

Minister Kishida: I intend to work on gathering a variety of information, and continue to pay close attention to the situation.

Fukai, TBS: Concerning North Korea, the Association of the Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea stated the other day that if no deadline has been decided, then they do not know what they can look forward to. As Minister, do you intend to once again notify the North Korean side or communicate with them in the course of discussions between the relevant authorities of a deadline or a target of the report?

Minister Kishida: First, I am aware of the opinions of various people concerned, and I intend to treat each of those views seriously. In doing so, I intend to continue reviewing what will be effective in eliciting a positive and constructive attitude from the North Korean side.

As part of that, I also intend to consider what proposals or requests should be made to the North Korean side, and what sorts of requests should be made specifically.