Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Yesterday and today, I visited Laos. I have built our friendship with counterparts of the ASEAN countries with my first visit to the six countries in the region as Foreign Minister to hold bilateral meetings last October, and through taking opportunities at the Commemorative Summit last December. I attended four ASEAN-related meetings and the Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this time. Through reuniting with each Minister, I have reaffirmed true friendship with them. In addition, I held bilateral meetings with Laos, China, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Indonesia, Norway, UK, Singapore, and Timor-Leste.

Through the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, I emphasized two points: the initiatives for realizing prosperity, and the initiatives for realizing peace and stability. First, on prosperity, I clearly expressed Japan’s intention to contribute to ASEAN’s efforts to enhance connectivity, on the tangible and intangible fronts, under the Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative. The ASEAN countries expressed high expectations for further cooperation with Japan, in areas such as DX and GX.

At the Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in person for the first time in five years, we adopted the “Mekong-Japan Cooperation Strategy 2024,” the guiding principles for cooperation in the next five years. I expressed our commitment that Japan will further promote the Mekong-Japan cooperation for the sustainable development of the Mekong region, an important partner for Japan geopolitically.

Second, on peace and stability, at today’s East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), we discussed intensely on the East and South China Seas, North Korea, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and other matters. However, I focused on the view that any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world, and firmly conveyed Japan’s position.

We also discussed the common issues, including Myanmar and the Middle East. In addition, regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, I reported that Japan has been confirming the safety of the ALPS treated water, while conducting multilayered monitoring, including the involvement of the IAEA. I also conveyed that Japan will keep working closely together with the IAEA and will continuously provide explanation based on scientific evidence in a highly transparent manner.

For cooperation on peace and stability, I mentioned, for example, sharing know-how on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) relating to disaster response, and the ASEAN side concurred on this idea. Following our predecessors’ engagements over the past 50 years, I feel we have entered an era that allows us to “co-create” solutions for peace, stability, and prosperity.

The people-to-people exchanges between Japan and ASEAN constitute the foundation of our relationship as friends, connected heart to heart. I announced that Japan will dispatch 200 “NIHONGO Partners” to ASEAN Member States under the framework of the “WA Project 2.0.” Additionally, I stated that Japan would like to work with ASEAN to develop 100,000 highly skilled digital human resources over the next five years.

In the series of meetings, I believe we were able to further increase our trust and respect for each other through steadily materializing the vision set out by the leaders of Japan and ASEAN. That is all from me.

Reporter: While my question may overlap slightly with the explanation of the meetings you just gave, I would like to ask what Japan intended to emphasize in particular at today’s EAS and other meetings, and what you consider to be their outcomes.

Minister Kamikawa: At the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, I emphasized the importance of Japan and ASEAN working together as partners connected heart to heart in co-creating peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

At the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Plus Three countries stated the importance of cooperation in line with the principles of the AOIP and its four priority areas: namely, maritime cooperation, connectivity, the SDGs, and economic and other cooperation. Furthermore, I explained Japan’s commitment to promoting cooperation in the areas of finance, food security, and health, in addition to WPS I mentioned at the outset.

At the EAS and the ARF, to lead the world in facing a historic turning point toward cooperation, not division, I emphasized the importance of all states complying with the basic principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter, and maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

As for concrete outcomes, first, at the meetings, all ASEAN Member States stated that Japan is a partner they trust and that they welcome Japan’s support and initiatives. In addition, expectations were expressed, including toward the further promotion of regional financial cooperation and the strengthening of food security through the ASEAN Plus Three framework.

Regarding regional affairs, I thoroughly conveyed Japan’s position on the urgent issues, including the East and South China Seas, North Korea, Myanmar, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and the Middle East. Additionally on this occasion, I also provided sincere explanation on Japan’s efforts on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.

Through such discussions, I believe my counterparts and I were able to further deepen our personal relationships of trust and build a firm foundation for future cooperation.

Reporter: Speaking of bilateral meetings, you held your second meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China. At the meeting, the two of you concurred on making persistent efforts to rhythmically build multilayered communication, including mutual visits by the Foreign Ministers. Please explain the schedule you have in mind, especially for “rhythmically” enhancing communication at the political level, including mutual visits and communication between the leaders. In addition, regarding mutual visits by the Foreign Ministers, what are your thoughts on visiting China? Do you hope to realize the visit as soon as possible? Please share with us your current plans for when you will visit China.

Minister Kamikawa: Presently, Japan-China relations continue to embody both many possibilities and challenging issues of concern. In times like these, we need to rhythmically carry out wide-ranging, multilayered dialogue from the leader level down to the people level, so that Japan and China can accelerate efforts to comprehensively promote a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests” and build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations.”

In this context, it is important that Japan continues to firmly maintain and assert its position to China on the issues of concern, and at the same time, that the two countries work together on areas that require cooperation as neighboring countries and members of the international community.

At yesterday’s Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Minister Wang and I concurred on making persistent efforts to rhythmically build multilayered communication based on such awareness of the issues. As part of these efforts, we will utilize the Japan-China High-Level People-to-People and Cultural Exchange Dialogue and Economic Dialogue, which are to be conducted on the occasion of my visit to China and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Japan, in addition to communication at the leader level.

At this time, no specific dates have been decided for either visit. In any case, we intend to utilize these opportunities to achieve concrete results, including on bilateral issues of concern and cooperation as confirmed at the Japan-China Summit Meeting in May, as well as in expanding people-to-people exchanges.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the acts of sabotage targeting the TGV high-speed rail line in Paris. The large-scale attacks occurred before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games and caused major disruptions. What is the view of the Government of Japan? Please update us on the safety of Japanese citizens.

Minister Kamikawa: We condemn the acts of sabotage against France’s TGV high-speed rail service yesterday, which affect public safety. While we understand that there have been no injuries, including those to Japanese citizens, our Embassy and Consulate-General in France have been sending consular emails to provide information and raise alert.

During my stay in Laos, I have been briefed as needed on the situation. My counterparts and I have mentioned this matter and concurred on coordinating to ensure that the Olympic Games are held safely.

We will continue to collect information, including on the local situation, and take all possible measures to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens in France, including providing information and alerting them.

Reporter: My question is about the “Sado Island Gold Mines.” Today, UNESCO decided to inscribe it on the World Heritage List. Please share your comment on this. Since the ROK was initially opposed, stating that it was a site of forced labor, the inscription may be seen as an outcome of rapprochement between Japan and the ROK. What is your view on this course of events? Please also tell us about whether this matter was raised at the Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting yesterday.

Minister Kamikawa: Today, I was briefed that the “Sado Island Gold Mines,” nominated by Japan, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee. I am truly delighted. I would like to pay sincere tribute to the long-standing efforts of the local people which made this possible.

I hope that this inscription will lead to an increase of visitors to Sado Island and that the value of the “Sado Island Gold Mines” as a World Heritage site will become more widely known and appreciated globally.

Japan has held discussions in a sincere manner with the ROK for the inscription of the “Sado Island Gold Mines” on the World Heritage List. It was mentioned briefly by both sides at yesterday’s Japan-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. I believe it is very meaningful that such efforts led to the inscription by consensus of all Member States, including the ROK. I would like to pay tribute to everyone concerned.