Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary Maruyama: On May 4, the agreement on the establishment of de-escalation zones in Syria was announced by Russia, Turkey and Iran in Astana, Kazakhstan. Japan appreciates any efforts to reduce violence in Syria.

Japan strongly hopes that this agreement will enhance the cease fire regime and ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, paving a way for substantial progress in the political process in Syria.

Foreign Press Secretary Maruyama: Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunsuke Takei will visit the United Kingdom (UK) and Ethiopia from May 10 to 14.

In the UK, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takei will attend the London Somalia Conference that will be held on May 11 as the delegate of Japan. This conference will be attended by the host, The Rt Hon Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo, President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, as well as the leaders, foreign ministers, and other officials of African countries, major donors, and other countries concerned, and will comprehensively discuss security reform in Somalia, terrorism and piracy, humanitarian issues, economic reconstruction, development, among other items. At the conference, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takei will deliver a statement regarding Japan’s assistance efforts for Somalia and exchange views with various partners.

In Ethiopia, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takei will meet with government officials with the aim of further strengthening the relationship between Japan and Ethiopia, and exchange views on the　situation in Africa with members of the African Union (AU) that has its headquarters in Ethiopia.