Press Conferences

Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I am going to visit the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from April 27 to 30, if various circumstances allow.

The schedule includes a courtesy call on His Majesty Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and serving as co-chair of the Aqaba Process, a forum for discussion of terrorism and violent extremism, with His Majesty King Abdullah.

Additionally, I am planning to host the Sixth Ministerial-Level Meeting of the Four-Party Consultative Unit on the “Corridor for Peace and Prosperity” initiative, a framework on regional cooperation that involves Palestine, Israel, Jordan, and Japan as an initiative for peace in the Middle East.

While the situation surrounding peace in the Middle East has become increasingly severe, Japan hopes to contribute to confidence-building among the parties and the economic autonomy of Palestine through providing a forum for dialogue as Japan’s unique initiative.

Minister Kono: The long holidays begin tomorrow. I think many people will be traveling abroad. Please confirm safety conditions at travel destinations on the overseas safety website ahead of time and register on the Overseas Travel Registration (Tabi-Regi). Also, please review the “Golgo 13 Overseas Safety Manual.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued overseas safety information for the long holidays on April 23. Please have a look.

Reporter: I have a question about the visit to Jordan. What are your thoughts about the significance of holding a meeting with Israel and Palestine together?

Minister Kono: By providing a forum for dialogue to the parties at a time of the difficult situation for peace in the Middle East, I hope to help foster confidence-building among the parties.

Reporter: The Republic of Korea (ROK)-North Korea Summit Meeting is about to begin today. What are your expectations for the meeting, including denuclearization?

Minister Kono: I would like to refrain from making any speculations at this stage.

Reporter: Regarding the Summit Meeting, the statement lists topics such as denuclearization and permanent peace between the ROK and North Korea. What kind of result are you anticipating on denuclearization at this meeting?

Minister Kono: The ROK Government’s contributions and efforts had a major role in the realization of this ROK-North Korea Summit Meeting. I would like to express my respect for this. As to the content, I would like to refrain from making any speculations at this stage.

Reporter: What expectations do you have from the standpoint of setting the stage for the U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting?

Minister Kono: I would like to refrain from making any speculations at this stage.

Reporter: In the U.S., Mr. Mike Pompeo received approval by the Senate as Secretary of State. He has reportedly taken on a very important role in contacts with North Korea up to now. What kind of relationship do you wish to build as a counterpart?

Minister Kono: I formed a very good relationship with former Secretary of State Tillerson, and hope to foster a solid relationship of trust with Secretary Pompeo as well.

Reporter: How do you intend to request information from the ROK side on the results of today’s ROK-North Korea Summit Meeting?

Minister Kono: Japan is constantly collaborating with the ROK side and I expect quick provision of information.

Reporter: The Japanese Government protested the depiction of Takeshima on a map as a decoration for a dessert being served at the ROK-North Korea Summit Meeting. Civic groups criticized the protest as interference in domestic affairs, and the ROK Government stated that it does not accept any Japanese assertions on this matter. Please explain your opinion at this point.

Minister Kono: While I believe this factor is extremely unnecessary, and MOFA lodged a protest, denuclearization and other topics are being discussed at the ROK-North Korea Summit Meeting today, so we will be closely monitoring the situation.

Reporter: There is a possibility of a statue of a worker being installed in front of the Consulate-General of Japan in Busan on May 1. Please explain your opinion at this point.

Minister Kono: I do not have anything to say at this time.

Reporter: What was the topic of your meeting with Prime Minister Abe?

Minister Kono: That is confidential.