Press Conferences

Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs: The Mekong-Japan Ministerial Meeting, a variety of foreign ministers’ meetings, and a number of informal talks were held today. I had an informal conversation with Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho of North Korea before and after the gala dinner. I stated the views and basic position of the Government of Japan and had discussions regarding them. I would like to refrain from making any further comment on this matter. Let me now take your questions.

Reporter: Did you explain to Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho the position of Japan that has been expressed from before, including the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues?

Minister Kono: I will not say anything beyond what I have just stated.

Reporter: So you met with Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho twice, before and after the gala dinner?

Minister Kono: It is as I stated earlier.

Reporter: How long did your conversation last?

Minister Kono: It is as I stated earlier. I will not comment any further on this matter.

Reporter: Was it just the two of you? Or did you speak through interpreters?

Minister Kono: I will not say anything beyond what I stated earlier.

Reporter: Did the conversation take place in English?

Minister Kono: I will not say anything beyond what I stated earlier.

Reporter: What was the expression on the face of Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho?

Minister Kono: I will not say anything beyond what I stated earlier.

Reporter: What significance do you attach to the contact between Japan and North Korea at this timing?

Minister Kono: I met informally with Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho at this meeting last year as well. Today’s did not have any greater or lesser significance.

Reporter: Did you convey that the Government wishes to hold a Japan-North Korea summit meeting?

Minister Kono: I will not say anything beyond what I stated earlier.

Reporter: Do you consider that the contact will contribute to resolving the abductions issue?

Minister Kono: As I have been stating from before, I will not go into any more detail than what I stated earlier regarding this matter.