Press Conferences

Mr. Takeshi Osuga, Foreign Press Secretary: It is profoundly sorrowful that Mr. Satoshi Oyama of the Public Diplomacy Strategy Division, Minister's Secretariat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) fell victim to the stabbing incident in Kawasaki City yesterday morning. I would like to offer my sincere prayers for the repose of his soul and to extend condolences to his bereaved family. MOFA will do everything possible to support his family. I would like to request that all news companies give full consideration to his family’s thoughts and feelings.

Foreign Press Secretary Osuga: Today, May 29, is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. On this International Day, I would like to again express respect to all peacekeepers contributing to the international peace and security, and to express condolences to all those who sacrificed their lives while conducting international peacekeeping activities.

Since 1992, Japan has dispatched more than 12,500 personnel to 28 UN missions and more. At present, we have dispatched four staff officers to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

In addition, though not as UN peacekeepers, Japan has been actively contributing as a responsible member of the international community, including dispatching two Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel as staff officers to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) through ceasefire observation activities between Egypt and Israel from April 2019, which contributes to the peace and stability in the Middle East.

Japan will continue to play an active role for the peace and stability of the international community.

Foreign Press Secretary Osuga: On May 21, the sixth general election since the country achieved democracy in 1994 was held in the Republic of Malawi, including Presidential, National and Provincial elections. On May 27, it was announced that President Arthur Peter Mutharika was re-elected. Japan welcomes that the general elections were held peacefully and would like to congratulate President Mutharika on his re-election.

Japan hopes Malawi will foster political stability and socio-economic development under the leadership of President Mutharika. Japan will continue to support efforts of the Government of Malawi towards that goal, and will work to further strengthen the friendly and cooperative bilateral relations.

NTV, Kiyota: Have you worked together with Mr. Oyama, who lost his life in the incident? Or, could you tell us what you have heard about his character and how he worked?

Foreign Press Secretary Osuga: I worked with him, where he was an officer at the Public Diplomacy Strategy Division of the Minister's Secretariat reporting to the Foreign Press Secretary. Although it has been stressed that he was a truly excellent worker who stood out as a Burmese language specialist, during his most recent post, rather than using the Burmese language, he fully demonstrated his abilities in external communications as a MOFA specialist. Thus, I truly regret that this incident took place.