Press Conferences

Reporter: I have a question about the Japan-Russia summit meeting. The Russian side commented that it would like to conduct joint economic activities by the two countries in the Northern Territories under Russian sovereignty. What are your thoughts on this point? Also, I think you have reached an agreement to meet with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov of the Russian Federation, in Russia next month. What is your mission and what are you hoping to accomplish?

Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs: On the first point, I would like to refrain from commenting on specific discussions regarding the Northern Territories issue because the Japanese Government has been refraining from disclosing the content. This refers to a matter that is being negotiated, and such disclosure could affect subsequent negotiations. I thus would like to refrain from addressing the point you mentioned, including whether it was even raised in the discussions. As to joint economic activities in the Northern Territories, not undermining Japan’s legal position should be the basis for such activities, as we have explained.

Regarding my visit to Russia, the detailed schedule has not been determined. Yet, the two sides agreed at the Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in September that I could visit Russia and hold a Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as preparation for the planned visit by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, to Japan in December. Coordination is currently taking place based on this view.

Reporter: I think President Putin offered comments on joint economic activities at his press conference. What is your reaction to such comments at this timing just before his visit to Japan?

Minister Kishida: As I just explained, the Japanese Government’s stance has been to refrain from disclosure of specific points in discussions concerning the Northern Territories issue thus far. Negotiations are ongoing, and this might affect the negotiations. I would like to refrain from commenting.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the GSOMIA. It is being reported, mainly by media source in South Korea, that the GSOMIA might be concluded tomorrow. Was this a topic at today’s Cabinet meeting?

Minister Kishida: The two sides reached an effective agreement on the GSOMIA on, I think, November 14 with a provisional signing. Coordination is currently taking place to sign the Agreement as soon as possible. I would like to refrain from indicating whether it was raised at the Cabinet meeting. We aim to sign the agreement as soon as possible.

Reporter: I have a question about joint economic activities with Russia. While you said that not undermining Japan’s legal position is the precondition, do you see a possibility of joint economic activity between Japan and Russia in the future if the issue is resolved for the Northern Territories?

Minister Kishida: Japan’s policy is to clarify where the four belong to and conclude a peace treaty. We should adhere to this basic policy. Speaking in general terms, joint economic activities are not rejected, but I think it is important to emphasize that not undermining Japan’s legal position should be the basis.

Reporter: Regarding the TPP, I think Japan agreed with other members of the TPP to pursue early entry into force in the summit meeting in Peru last week. Yet President-elect Donald Trump stated again that he plans to exit the agreement on his first day in office. Please explain your views on this situation again.

Minister Kishida: President-elect Trump has made a variety of comments up to now. I would like to refrain from prejudging and commenting on specific policies of the new government at this stage. Japan intends to continue to monitor developments and promote communication with the new government.

Reporter: Tsunami warnings were issued for Miyagi and Fukushima this morning due to the earthquake. You are scheduled to give a speech in Miyagi tomorrow. Do you have any comments on the situation?

Minister Kishida: An earthquake struck the Tohoku area and caused tsunamis this morning. I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy. Regarding tomorrow’s schedule, we need to consider what to do after examining the local situation. We intend to confirm whether the activities can take place without placing burden on the residents.