Press Conferences

Mr. Takeshi Osuga, Foreign Press Secretary: Since April 5, armed conflicts have been occurring on the outskirts of Tripoli between the Government of National Accord forces and the Libyan National Army led by General Khalifa Haftar, and I am deeply worried about the large number of casualties. On April 5, as was also indicated in the joint declaration issued by the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Japan requests the people concerned to immediately stop all military activities as there is no military solution to the dispute in Libya. Japan hopes the realization of an environment in which the political process led by the United Nations can progress.

Foreign Press Secretary Osuga: From April 14-16, Mr. Ángel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD, will visit Japan. During his visit, Secretary-General Gurría will meet with government officials and others, and officially announce the OECD Economic Surveys "Japan," and is also scheduled to attend events including “International Forum: The Role of the OECD in the Changing World Economy” held by the Japan Institute of International Affairs and “OECD Leaders Dialogue: Reconstruction of Fukushima and Future Regional Development – Eight Years Since the Earthquake Disaster and Nuclear Accident –” held by the OECD.

It is expected that there will be further strengthening of cooperative relations with the OECD toward the G20 Osaka Summit in June 2019.

Foreign Press Secretary Osuga: From April 8-June 14, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is soliciting applicant works for the 13th Japan International MANGA Award. Through fair judging, one work will be conferred the Gold Award and three works will be conferred the Silver Award. The award winners will visit Japan for the award ceremony at the invitation of the Japan Foundation, and will hold exchanges of views with Japanese manga artists and others.

Last time for the 12th Japan International MANGA Award, the Gold Award was conferred to Tang Xiao (Dani) of China for Yang Hao and his Four Compositions in February. Through manga, it is expected to increase the number of people who are interested in international cultural exchange as well as in Japan, and people who wish to travel to Japan.

Asahi Shimbun, Takeshita: I would like to ask about the Embassy of Japan in Seoul. I believe the new construction plan is currently advancing, but there are some ROK media reports that the permission for construction has been revoked. I would like to ask about the facts of the matter and the current status of the new construction plan.

Foreign Press Secretary Osuga: I am aware of the reports in the ROK. The construction of the Embassy of Japan in the ROK office is currently being considered and adjusted, but I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of the plan and the related administrative procedures.

Asahi Shimbun, Takeshita: This is currently being considered and adjusted, but I believe that the status is that the plan is not advancing. I would like to ask the reason.

Foreign Press Secretary Osuga: In any event, this is a matter concerning an administrative internal considerations on the embassy construction, so I would like to refrain from commenting on it.