Press Conferences

Reporter: The Republic of Korea (ROK) Government has commented that it sees signs of a possible nuclear weapon test in North Korea. Today, a Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice-Ministerial Consultation will be held in Seoul. What do you aim to confirm regarding North Korea’s such provocative actions?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I am aware of the media reports you mentioned. While the Government collects and analyzes information with serious interest on a regular basis, I must refrain from discussing the content of the analysis.

The third Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice-Ministerial Consultation will take place today in Seoul. I obviously expect discussion of the North Korea issue, as you mentioned, at the meeting. Additionally, I anticipate discussions on cooperation in a variety of areas, including follow-up from the Japan- U.S.-ROK Summit Meeting held in March.

Reporter: Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, sent a message of sympathy to His Majesty the Emperor regarding the Kumamoto Earthquake. What is the Government’s reaction?

Minister Kishida: Japan has received warm messages of sympathy from over 50 countries, regions, and institutions, including China, thus far, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Reporter: In the United States, momentum is building for a visit by President Obama to Hiroshima, and The New York Times and Washington Post addressed this possibility in editorials. What are your expectations at this point?

Minister Kishida: I believe visits by the world’s political leaders to atomic bombing sites are important in gathering international momentum for a world without nuclear weapons. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on the specific schedule of the U.S. President.

Reporter: I have a question about the relationship between Japan and the ROK. Mr. Akitaka Saiki, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, is visiting the ROK today. I would imagine that he will hold a Japan-ROK Vice-Ministerial Consultation in addition to the Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice-Ministerial Consultation. This is the first meeting since the general election. Could you please confirm the Japanese Government’s desired direction for the bilateral relationship, including the agreement on the comfort women issue between Japan and the ROK, following the general election?

Minister Kishida: I think there is a plan for a Japan-ROK Vice-Ministerial Consultation in addition to the Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice-Ministerial Consultation. While this is the first bilateral meeting since the ROK’s general election, I believe it is important for both countries to sincerely implement the content of the agreement concluded between Japan and the ROK at the end of last year. I am aware of the comments from the government of the ROK after the election that it has not changed the policy stance of sincerely carrying out the agreement. I hope that Japan and the ROK will continue to make joint efforts for implementing the agreement.