Press Conferences

Jibiki, Nikkei Shimbun: My question concerns the personnel affairs decided at the Cabinet meeting held a short time ago. In this round of personnel affairs, in some cases, some officials assumed higher positions than other senior officials who had joined the ministry earlier. In Kasumigaseki, it is still rare to see such cases. What thought did you put into this point, Minister?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: As you point out, some people are concerned about the year when each official joined the ministry. Nevertheless, as you might expect, personnel decisions are made while taking into account each individual’s abilities and experience thus far, and the key point is how to ensure that they can fulfill their potential, I believe. I do know that this round of personnel decisions is the outcome of considering how to establish the best structure for MOFA from the perspective of placing the right people in the right jobs.

Kamide, Freelance: My question concerns further developments with a negotiation of a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons. Following the G7 Summit, President Obama visited Hiroshima and appealed for the elimination of nuclear weapons. I imagine that his visit deeply moved you, Minister Kishida. On the other hand, in April, a conference regarding a negotiation of a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons was held. Being the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings, Japan strives for mediating nuclear weapon States and non-nuclear- weapon States. With regard to the Japanese position, I understand that Egypt, Mexico and other countries strongly criticize that Japan does not sufficiently play its role nor does show its vision as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings.

Minister Kishida, I would like to ask you if you have any new initiative regarding nuclear issues, taking into account the visit by President Obama. I would also like to know your determination on this issue.

Minister Kishida: There are various countries in the world with different ideas with regard to nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. However, as I have explained before, a clear understanding of the humanitarian consequences of the use of nuclear weapons and an objective assessment of the severe security environment are two important elements. I believe that correct understanding of these two aspects will lead us to cooperation between nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States.

At the moment, it seems that the momentum in the international community for nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation is withering, and the disarmament and nonproliferation regime is facing serious challenges such as the nuclear test by North Korea. In this situation, with President Obama’s visit to Hiroshima, along with the Hiroshima Declaration will be the important opportunity for reviving international momentum, which is withering.

Believing that it is impossible to achieve concrete results or outcomes without cooperation between nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States, Japan continues to encourage the international community to cooperate, based on the Hiroshima Declaration, which was agreed by both nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States, and through the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI), which is a framework of non-nuclear-weapon States.

Based on these efforts and this standpoint, now the visit to Hiroshima by President Obama has been realized, following the release of the Hiroshima Declaration, I intend to firmly call on the international community for the cooperation between nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States.

Kamide, Freelance: Related to this, I would like to point out that in the conference held in April, 107 countries had signed the document. Do you believe that efforts that you mentioned have obtained some concrete fruits? Do you believe that Japan’s position is duly understood?

Minister Kishida: The important thing is to create conditions in which both nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States can cooperate. Supporting a movement which represents only one side will not help us to achieve such cooperation. As a result, no advancement in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation will be achieved. What is important is to try to figure out how we can achieve cooperation between nuclear-weapon States and non-nuclear-weapon States to achieve concrete outcomes in various settings on various issues and identify concrete measures to do so. I believe that Japan should strive through realistic and practical ways.

Kurihara, NHK: I have a question about Mr. Yoichi Masuzoe, the Governor of Tokyo, who has been attracting a lot of attention. Governor Masuzoe has taken a stance of proactive city diplomacy and visited numerous countries from this perspective. In some sense, this means that both the Government and city are engaged in and promoting foreign policy, which is under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Government. What are your thoughts about this type of city diplomacy? Also, what is your reaction to Governor Masuzoe’s response and explanations regarding suspicions blurring public and private affairs in this case?

Minister Kishida: Regarding my views about city diplomacy, the country or Government must take ultimate responsibility in foreign policy. However, there are various types of foreign policy, such as city diplomacy that you mentioned as well as cultural diplomacy, sports diplomacy, and science and technology diplomacy. We address these specific themes by taking an “all-Japan” approach that goes beyond just the Government and includes efforts by local government entities, the private sector, and others. I think this is an important stance. I believe Japan’s foreign policy should take an “all-Japan” approach while leaving the ultimate responsibility to the Government.

I will refrain from commenting on the various points raised at the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly related to Governor Masuzoe as the Government. However, speaking generally about politicians, I think the related person has a responsibility to fully explain questions or suspicions. I intend to closely monitor the Governor’s responses.

Abe, Asahi Shimbun: I have a question regarding the arrest of the civilian personnel of the US military in Okinawa. I think Japan and the US are currently discussing measures to prevent recurrence. What is the current progress? Could you explain when the discussions will be concluded?

Minister Kishida: We reached an agreement on three points at the recent Japan-US Defense Ministers’ Meeting. The first is a review of the handling of US citizens who have status specified under the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, including the civilian component, and the others are monitoring and education and training. Japan and the US agreed to continue consultations on these three points. Discussions are currently taking place at the administrative level in light of the agreement between the two countries. While I think efforts should be made to finalize the discussions as soon as possible, I should refrain from commenting on details at this point because discussions are still ongoing and there is another party involved. In any case, Japan intends to hold discussions and reach conclusions promptly on the three points confirmed by the defense ministers of the two countries.

Jibiki, Nikkei: China and ASEAN are holding a Special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Yunnan Province, China, today. Some observers say that China is aiming to divide the ASEAN countries ahead of the decision in the arbitration case related to the South China Sea issue. What is the Government of Japan’s view of the meeting?

Minister Kishida: I am aware of the China-ASEAN Special Foreign Ministers’ Meeting that you mentioned is taking place. However, I want to refrain from making comments as the Government of Japan on exchanges among other countries. The South China Sea issue, meanwhile, directly affects peace and stability in the international community and is a matter of concern for the entire world, including Japan. Japan has consistently emphasized the importance of rule of law in the seas. It intends to continue stressing the importance of a peaceful solution based on the rule of law.