Press Conferences
Press Conference by Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida
Monday, January 28, 2013, 9:56 a.m. Prime Minister’s Office
This is a provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only.
Japanese
Japanese
Japan-DPRK talks
Yamazaki, Fuji TV: It was reported this morning that Japan and North Korea came into contact in Hanoi, Vietnam. Could you please clarify the fact?
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: I have seen the report and I am aware of it. However, there is no such fact.
Yamazaki, Fuji TV: So there was no contact?
Minister Kishida: There is no such fact.
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida: I have seen the report and I am aware of it. However, there is no such fact.
Yamazaki, Fuji TV: So there was no contact?
Minister Kishida: There is no such fact.
Revision to the commentary on the Course of Study
Yamazaki, Fuji TV: Regarding the textbook issue, I surmise that a revision to the Course of Study will be released today. This may provoke a backlash regarding Takeshima and other issues from the ROK side. How will MOFA deal with that?
Minister Kishida:I am briefed that the commentary on the Course of Study will be announced by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology afterward today. As I believe the Minister will make an official announcement, I will refrain from touching on the topic before then. I will wait for the official announcement.
Minister Kishida:I am briefed that the commentary on the Course of Study will be announced by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology afterward today. As I believe the Minister will make an official announcement, I will refrain from touching on the topic before then. I will wait for the official announcement.
Japan-U.S. relations (Foreign Minister’s Visit to the U.S.)
Yamazaki, Fuji TV: Regarding your visit to the U.S., it’s been reported that you will visit the U.S. on February 7. Please tell us about it.
Minister Kishida: Nothing has been determined regarding my visit to the U.S. and it is still under coordination.
Yamazaki, Fuji TV: Do you hope to realize that if circumstances allow?
Minister Kishida: Last year, I’ve made about four visits to the U.S. When considering the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance, I regard continued communication as highly important. I recognize the importance of going to the U.S., although nothing is yet to be set concretely.
Minister Kishida: Nothing has been determined regarding my visit to the U.S. and it is still under coordination.
Yamazaki, Fuji TV: Do you hope to realize that if circumstances allow?
Minister Kishida: Last year, I’ve made about four visits to the U.S. When considering the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance, I regard continued communication as highly important. I recognize the importance of going to the U.S., although nothing is yet to be set concretely.
Japan-DPRK talks
Watanabe, NHK: Regarding the topic raised just before now as to whether Japan-DPRK talks were actually held in Hanoi, does your answer mean that Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Junichi Ihara did not travel Hanoi?
Minister Kishida: At least, I am not aware of such a fact.
Mizuuchi, Sankei Shimbun: In relation to that, whether it is true or not, Japan-DPRK talks have not been held for a long time. What are your views on the need of dialogue and resuming it?
Minister Kishida: As for North Korea, we must make efforts to bring a comprehensive solution to nuclear, missile and the abductions issue among others under the existing principle of dialogue and pressure. In cooperation with the international community, we will send a firm message and call on North Korea to take concrete actions on those issues including denuclearization. Our policy as such stays unchanged. We intend to continue to address that under the two principles of dialogue and pressure.
Nakamura, Nippon TV: In relation to Japan-DPRK talks, as for the fact that Director-General Ihara made the trip, you stated that you were not aware of the fact. Are you denying the fact?
Minister Kishida: There is no such fact.
Nakamura, Nippon TV: No fact?
Minister Kishida: No, there is no such fact.
Minister Kishida: At least, I am not aware of such a fact.
Mizuuchi, Sankei Shimbun: In relation to that, whether it is true or not, Japan-DPRK talks have not been held for a long time. What are your views on the need of dialogue and resuming it?
Minister Kishida: As for North Korea, we must make efforts to bring a comprehensive solution to nuclear, missile and the abductions issue among others under the existing principle of dialogue and pressure. In cooperation with the international community, we will send a firm message and call on North Korea to take concrete actions on those issues including denuclearization. Our policy as such stays unchanged. We intend to continue to address that under the two principles of dialogue and pressure.
Nakamura, Nippon TV: In relation to Japan-DPRK talks, as for the fact that Director-General Ihara made the trip, you stated that you were not aware of the fact. Are you denying the fact?
Minister Kishida: There is no such fact.
Nakamura, Nippon TV: No fact?
Minister Kishida: No, there is no such fact.