Press Conferences

Reporter: Could you please go over the details of the telephone talks held today?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I held a telephone talk today with Ms. Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 3:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, and then the Mr. Philip Hammond, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom from 4:00 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes.

I explained to Ms. Mogherini that where the UK’s exit from the EU is concerned, I hope the process of transitioning to the new EU-UK relationship will move smoothly ahead from here on, and explained that I intend to continue closely cooperating and coordinating with the EU for the peace and stability of the international community. Additionally, I stated that many Japanese people, including Japanese companies, have an interest in future developments and so I hope to closely exchange information with the EU. Furthermore, we confirmed that we will work together on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), which are currently being negotiated, aiming at promptly concluding them this year.

In response, Ms. Mogherini acknowledged that under the current circumstances it will be important to share views with Japan, which holds the G7 Presidency, and to coordinate with it. She also stated that while she respects the outcome of the UK’s national referendum, it is regrettable, and the EU intends to promptly make the necessary responses and ease the concerns including in the markets, and it is important for the EU to remain unified and strong.

Ms. Mogherini also stated that it will be important for the EU to band together to respond in the international community based on the EU Global Strategy published yesterday, and within that, the EU intends to solidly cooperate with partners such as Japan. She also explained that at the present point in time the EU has not changed in any way. She said the UK will also contribute as an EU member until the leave negotiations are settled, and although the negotiations with the UK are yet to begin, in the course of the leave negotiations, the EU will forge a close relationship with the UK, as one member of Europe. Furthermore, she said that she can confirm that negotiations will move ahead on reaching agreements on the Japan-EU EPA and SPA as promptly as possible. These were the comments made by Ms. Mogherini.

Next, I requested Secretary of State Hammond that I would like him to listen carefully to the views of Japanese companies operating businesses in the UK, which is the gateway to Europe, and to do his utmost to enable Japanese companies to operate as they have done thus far, and the UK continues to act as a driving force for global free trade in the future. In addition, I expressed Japan’s strong hope that even after leaving the EU, the UK will continue to proactively contribute to peace and stability based on the rules in the international community, including Asia, and explained that Japan intends to maintain and strengthen the Japan-UK relationship.

In response, Secretary of State Hammond explained that he hopes to maintain a strong UK economy, and from that perspective intends to build a relationship with the EU. He stated that he intends to approach the EU leaving negotiations after listening carefully to the views of foreign companies, including Japanese companies. He explained that the UK will continue to remain an EU member for some time in the future - at least two years - and it intends to continue to be an important supporter of the Japan-EU EPA. Secretary of State Hammond also stated that the UK intends to continue to be outward-looking in the international community, and in the future as well, will contribute to the international community based on rules. He also expressed gratitude for my statement as foreign minister, which addressed the importance of the Japan-UK relationship. Secretary of State Hammond explained that he hopes to strengthen the cooperative relationship with Japan in a broad range of fields, including the security and defense fields, where particular progress has been seen in recent years. These were the comments made by Secretary of State Hammond.

That is all from me.

Reporter: Mainly with regard to the UK, the emphasis was on the point of view of Japanese companies, but did you discuss various issues other than that, such as what Japan’s biggest concerns are in particular? What are the areas that you discussed, other than companies?

Minister Kishida: In any event, I first expressed my expectation that the negotiations between the UK and the EU will proceed smoothly, and also that hope that the UK will continue to make solid contributions to international peace, stability and prosperity in the future as well, and we confirmed and agreed on these points.

Reporter: Having actually spoken to Secretary of State Hammond on the telephone, as minister did you come away with something that you feel is likely to brighten the future outlook, such as some sort of resolve from the UK-side, going forward?

Minister Kishida: As I just said, Secretary of State Hammond explained that in the future, the UK will not become inward-looking, and will continue firmly contributing to and taking part in the international community’s peace, stability and prosperity, and furthermore that the UK will cooperate to promptly conclude the Japan-EU EPA and SPA as it will remain a member of the EU for at least the next two years the UK. I believe that these are points that Japan can appreciate.

Reporter: Did you exchange views on what the UK’s current sense is regarding the schedule from here on, such as when it will give the notification, and what sort of time schedule it will follow with regard to the exit?

Minister Kishida: There is nothing specific. I am just aware that this point was discussed at the European Council. I understand that based on that, the EU stated externally that it had received an explanation from the UK that things will take a little time.

Reporter: I believe Mr. Shinsuke Sugiyama, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, will return on Friday. I imagine this will be considered once you have received his report, but within the framework of the G7 that was mentioned just now, as the holder of the G7 Presidency, will Japan consider something in the G7 framework in the future with regard to the UK’s leave?

Minister Kishida: The G7 framework is a framework of shared universal values, and I recognize that it will continue to be highly important. As the G7 chair country, Japan will continue to address various challenges with emphasis on the cooperation within the G7.