Press Conferences

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I will visit Miyagi Prefecture and attend a symposium at Tohoku University on November 23 as part of efforts to promote local attractions to the world. I hope to communicate the attractions of Tohoku, which is achieving a robust recovery, to the world by deepening direct dialogue with people from the disaster-stricken areas.

Reporter: I have a question about the Paris Agreement. It is likely to be approved at the plenary session of the Diet today. There was originally some criticism that the Government’s outlook was optimistic. What are your thoughts about the approval? Also, please explain your views regarding Japan’s role in this area?

Minister Kishida: The Paris Agreement is the first fair framework in history with participation by all countries, and it is also an agreement that matches Japan’s opinions regarding this area. It is a revolutionary agreement, and Japan has placed emphasis on this agreement and worked extensively toward reaching an early conclusion. If approval is obtained, I hope to work promptly on conclusion procedures.

Additionally, COP22 already started in Morocco on November 7 on this topic. I expect the meeting to discuss rules related to implementing the agreement, such as guidelines for implementation of the Paris Agreement. While discussions have already been taking place on the formulation of the guidelines, including Japan as a participant, I intend to continue making efforts that lead the discussion in a way that enhances transparency and efficacy.

Reporter: The outcome of the US presidential election should be largely known by tomorrow in Japan. While it is being reported as a close contest, what is your view of the current situation? Also, it is not clear who will win, but how does Japan plan to approach the new government?

Minister Kishida: I hear it is a close race and I am watching it closely. However, the Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign diplomacy no matter who becomes president. It remains vital for Japan and the United States to cooperate on not only bilateral issues but also on behalf of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the international community. I believe Japan must work very closely with the new administration.

Reporter: Regarding the situation in the Republic of Korea (ROK), it does not appear that disruptions will be settling down. Yet you have been talking for some time about holding a Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit as planned within this year. Meanwhile, I hear that criticism of the Japan-ROK agreement is growing within the ROK. Do you have any concerns about an impact on the implementation of the Japan-ROK agreement? Please explain your thoughts.

Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from commenting in my capacity (as Foreign Minister) on the situation in the ROK because this is a domestic matter.

Regarding the Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit, I believe the framework for dialogue among our three countries is very important, and I intend to continue working toward holding the summit within the year because Japan is chair country this year.

On the Japan-ROK agreement, it is most important that both governments sincerely implement the agreement’s content. I think both governments will continue to make efforts based on the agreement.

Reporter: It appears that the TPP agreement will not be approved today, and this means that Japan will miss the goal of passage in the House of Representatives prior to the presidential election. Do you expect any impact on the TPP deliberation?

Minister Kishida: I would like to refrain from commenting on the National Diet’s deliberation of the TPP agreement because this is something to be decided by the National Diet. Nevertheless, deliberations are continuing and I think the Government must continue to explain the economic and strategic significance of the TPP agreement as well as its benefits for not only Japan but the international community and gain understanding. I hope that the Government continues to explain the TPP so that it receives approval.

Reporter: On the Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit, there are less than two months left in the year. Have you received a reply from China?

Minister Kishida: We are currently engaged in coordination.

Reporter: Has China expressed its intent to engage in the coordination?

Minister Kishida: This matter is still being coordinated.