Press Conferences

Fujita, Fuji TV: While I believe that an agreement was reached on taking a resolute stance regarding North Korea at the Japan-China Vice-Ministerial Consultation held yesterday, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) still has not adopted a resolution on sanctions. What is your view of the current situation?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Yesterday’s dialogue between Japanese and Chinese diplomatic authorities consisted of a frank exchange of opinions on how to proceed with Japan-China relations, the issues concerning North Korea that you have mentioned, and other matters. Regarding developments at the UN, I have not yet heard that a resolution has been adopted. I am aware that final coordination is still taking place. While there was almost a consensus at the unofficial consultations held last week about the need for a rapid adoption, I have heard that one country has requested some time to review the content of the draft resolution. In any case, Japan intends to continue exerting its utmost efforts toward adoption of a resolution.

Fujita, Fuji TV: Does the country that you just mentioned refer to a permanent member country of the UNSC?

Minister Kishida: It is one country.

Fujita, Fuji TV: Changing the topic to Japan-China relations, there was a statement or message from Mr. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, that shows his willingness in communicating with you. Did yesterday’s discussion address the topic of a visit by you, Minister, to China, or a schedule for a telephone talk?

Minister Kishida: There was a discussion of mutual visits or mutual communication by the foreign ministers. Japan hopes to continue making arrangements. As I have spoken about a visit to China by this spring, I am interested in visiting China by around spring.

Fujita, Fuji TV: Was there a reaction or some type of message from the Chinese side on this point at the latest consultations?

Minister Kishida: We had already shared the view on the importance of communication and mutual visits by the foreign ministers, and shared it again this time. Japan hopes to continue making arrangements.

Fujita, Fuji TV: At yesterday’s meeting, the Chinese side proposed a high-level political dialogue between Mr. Yang Jiechi, a State Councilor, and Mr. Shotaro Yachi, Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat, from the Japanese side. Please explain your thoughts on this proposal.

Minister Kishida: I believe dialogue at a variety of levels is important in advancing Japan-China relations. While such contact is obviously necessary between the foreign ministers, I am also aware of the importance of promoting dialogue and communication at other levels and in other fields.

Kurihara, NHK: You just mentioned that one country has requested time for a review in regards to the UNSC resolution. While I believe this likely refers to Russia, how does Japan intend to encourage progress? Is there a specific plan?

Minister Kishida: I have only stated one country. That is what I have heard concerning the situation. Given the situation, Japan intends to continue making firm contributions toward adoption of a resolution.