Press Conferences

Reporter: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has issued a statement condemning North Korea’s missile launch. How do you view this?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Upon the request of Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) for an emergency meeting, the UNSC held urgent consultations in the early hours of February 8. I understand that the meeting lasted for approximately an hour and a half. Every country in attendance condemned the missile launch by North Korea. As you pointed out, following the meeting, the UNSC issued a press statement. The press statement says that this missile launch by North Korea is a violation of UNSC resolutions and that the UNSC strongly condemned it. Furthermore, it states that the UNSC reaffirmed that a clear threat continued to exist, especially in the context of the nuclear test, and that the UNSC intends to expeditiously develop further significant measures in a new Security Council resolution. I think developing a new Security Council resolution expeditiously is an important point to note. Such statement was issued. My view is that, following the missile launch, there is a heightened need to accelerate consultations related to a UNSC resolution and achieve expeditious adoption of a strong resolution. Japan fully intends to further strengthen cooperation with the relevant countries.

Reporter: Are there any plans for more telephone talks today?

Minister Kishida: Nothing has been decided at this point in time.