Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: The summary of the 2016 Diplomatic Blue Book was distributed at the Cabinet Meeting. The new Diplomatic Blue Book describes the major progress in reinforcing the Japan-U.S. alliance and the promotion of relations with neighboring countries and economic diplomacy as well as proactive efforts for global peace and stability during 2015, a key year marking 70 years since World War II ended.

Reporter: The Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting takes place today. Do you expect to find a possible path for resolving the Northern Territories issue in the discussions?

Minister Kishida: Yes, the meeting is going to be held soon, and I do not think it is appropriate to make any predictions about the meeting’s content or results at this point. In any case, Japan hopes to conduct a thorough discussion of the relationship between Japan and Russia, including the peace treaty issue.

Reporter: I have a question about this year’s Diplomatic Blue Book that you mentioned. Last year’s version cited the existence of difficult issues with the Republic of Korea (ROK), but the expression has been removed from the 2016 version. Please explain the significance of this change.

Minister Kishida: You mentioned that the last year’s version had an expression of existence of difficult issues, while this year’s version does not have that expression. While I’ll need to check on the expression, the 2016 Diplomatic Blue Book clearly describes issues, such as the Takeshima issue, the issue of the requisitioned civilians , and import restrictions on Japan’s marine products. The Government of Japan maintains its position that it is necessary to firmly address these challenging issues.

Reporter: In the Diplomatic Blue Book, the Takeshima topic is slightly more specific, and descriptions related to the East China Sea and South China Sea seem to be longer this time. Does this indicate that the Government of Japan intends to actively respond to and focus on territorial issues again this year?

Minister Kishida: While I have not confirmed whether the volume increased or decreased in comparison with last year, nothing has changed in the Government’s view that the issues that you just mentioned are very important. The Government retains its existing view and stance of intending to sufficiently address these important issues, just as last year.

Reporter: The ROK held an election that resulted in the ruling party dropping below a majority. You concluded a major agreement between Japan and the ROK at the end of last year. What are your thoughts about the outlook for an impact on the Japan-ROK relationship and whether the Japan-ROK agreement from the end of last year will be fully implemented?

Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from commenting on the results from the ROK’s election as Foreign Minister because this is an internal matter for the ROK and is its domestic election. In any case, I think it is important for the two Governments to sincerely implement the Japan-ROK agreement from the end of last year. Nothing has changed in regard to this point.

Reporter: I have a question about the earthquake. Please explain whether telephone talks with related countries, including Foreign Ministers, might occur and whether there have been any messages of sympathy or condolences.

Minister Kishida: First, the Government continues to make unified efforts to deal with the earthquake. I think serious initiatives are still required. Regarding overseas contacts, there are no specific plans for telephone talks or other meetings at this point. I have not personally received an update on the current state of condolences and other expressions of sympathy, but I will confirm this.

Reporter: I have a question about the issue of North Korea. Today, April 15th, is the Day of the Sun and birthday of Kim Il-sung in North Korea. While media reports in the ROK are talking about Musudan deployment and other activities, please explain your understanding of the latest situation and the Government’s response?

Minister Kishida: Japan is obviously gathering and analyzing all types of intelligence regarding North Korea in a variety of ways and through a variety of diplomatic routes. Although I cannot disclose the specific content because of the nature of the matter, the Government must be fully prepared based on such information. I think it is important to respond by being fully prepared for any circumstances.

Reporter: Regarding today’s meeting with Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, what type of discussion do you expect in negotiations related to the Northern Territories that have stalled?

Minister Kishida: I certainly believe that the peace treaty issue means the Northern Territories issue. I think it is important to thoroughly discuss the bilateral relationship including this topic. However, this is a discussion with the other side, and I would like to refrain from talking about anticipated results or content at this point just ahead of the meeting.

Reporter: It is the middle of April now. What is your outlook for visiting China around spring?

Minister Kishida: I remain interested in visiting China by around spring. Coordination continues to take place for a visit, though no detailed schedule has been confirmed at this point.