Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have an announcement at the outset.

On December 14, the Eighth Japan-CARICOM Ministerial-Level Conference will be held in Tokyo, with foreign ministers from 14 member states of the Caribbean Community, so called CARICOM, invited to the Conference.

The conference will be held in Tokyo for the first time in 10 years. At the conference, the participants will review the efforts in the Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year 2024. In addition, we intend to align our visions for the next decade.

Through the conference, I would like to discuss with participants about new cooperation between Japan and CARICOM on regional affairs, including the stabilization of Haiti, as well as the environment, and climate change, faced by the CARICOM countries. We will also confirm our cooperation under the Global Partnership based on common values and principles.

That is all from me.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: Nihon Hidankyo will attend the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony this evening. Please once again share your candid thoughts on Nihon Hidankyo receiving this prize. Additionally, Nihon Hidankyo advocates for the elimination of nuclear weapons and claims that the Government of Japan’s stance on the TPNW is “mistaken.” Komeito seems open to the idea of participating as an observer, and I believe Prime Minister Ishiba mentioned during the party’s presidential election that he would give serious consideration to Japan’s participation as an observer. This coming occasion might provide an opportunity for the Government to change its traditional stance and participate as an observer. What are your views on this?

Minister Iwaya: I think the award ceremony will be held at around 9 p.m. this evening, Japan time. I believe the awarding of this prize signifies that Nihon Hidankyo has been highly recognized for its many years of efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons and promote understanding of the realities of nuclear weapons use. It is extremely meaningful, and I would like to once again heartily express my respect and congratulations.

Regarding to Japan’s response to the TPNW, we consider it our mission, as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings, to aim for the ultimate elimination of nuclear weapons. This position remains entirely unchanged.

However, as you are aware, Japan currently faces what can be described as the most severe security environment since the end of World War II. We are also surrounded by nuclear-armed states. In addition, very regrettably, there has been a buildup of nuclear weapons, both qualitatively and quantitatively. In the world, we are even beginning to see countries hint at the possibility of using nuclear weapons. While the ultimate goal remains the elimination and prohibition of nuclear weapons, we presently view that, in light of the current circumstances, nuclear deterrence must also be considered.

In this sense, we regard the TPNW as a treaty that could be the final passage to a “world without nuclear weapons.” However, not a single nuclear-armed state has joined this treaty. Therefore, when considering what would be a realistic approach, we believe that it is needed to firmly maintain the NPT regime and that Japan must play a role in bridging nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon States, and we have been engaging in such efforts.

Accordingly, before deciding on our potential participation as an observer, we are now carefully examining what kinds of behavior and rhetoric might be possible.

There are countries like Germany, which has participated and made remarks as an observer while remaining under the “nuclear umbrella.” As such, we are currently examining and reviewing the discussions of such countries without making any premature conclusions. Regarding our response, we will continue to thoroughly review what is realistic, practical, and effective without making any premature conclusions.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I would like to ask about the situation in Syria. The Government of Japan has sought a political settlement rather than a military solution to the crisis in Syria. The Chief Cabinet Secretary stated at his press conference yesterday, December 9, that the current developments may lead to an overall improvement in the situation. Is it correct to say that the Government recognizes that the fall of the Assad regime by opposition forces is not a military solution? Additionally, could you elaborate on which aspects of the situation the Government considers may improve due to the recent developments? That is my first question.

Minister Iwaya: Leaving aside for a moment the question about our assessment of the recent developments in Syria, as the Chief Cabinet Secretary stated, Japan sincerely hopes that these developments will lead to an overall improvement in the situation. We will continue to closely follow the situation in Syria with grave concern. Japan strongly hopes that the violence will cease completely as soon as possible and that all Syrians will be able to enjoy their fundamental human rights, dignity, freedom, and prosperity.

To that end, there is a United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution aiming for a political settlement to the situation in Syria. Japan expects all parties concerned to fully respect the will of the Syrian people, and to play a constructive role in promoting comprehensive political settlement and national reconciliation, through dialogue among the Syrian people, and ultimately peace and prosperity in the region, based on UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

We hope that a peaceful transfer of power or the establishment of a new government can be achieved through dialogue. If this happens, Japan, having already provided support to Syrian refugees, will provide whatever support it can when the country is in the stage of recovery and reconstruction.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: Based on your response, I would like to ask a question that is somewhat related to my earlier question. The opposition forces are originally said to have roots in Al-Qaeda. I would like to ask the view of the Government on this.

Minister Iwaya: I understand they originated from Al-Qaeda, and therefore, they are still designated as a terrorist organization. While information is still inadequate, based on news reports, they appear to have a relatively moderate stance, and I hope that they do. As I stated earlier, we hope for a peaceful transfer of power through dialogue.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Uemura: Yesterday, a travel ban was approved for President Yoon Suk Yeol of the ROK. As a severe situation continues, how does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) intend to conduct diplomacy with the ROK or maintain relations with the ROK? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: As the Prime Minister responded at the Budget Committee today, the political situation in the ROK remains extremely fluid. Japan will continue to pay close attention to the situation with serious and particular concern. At this stage, I would like to refrain from making any sort of assessment.

That being said, the ROK is an extremely important neighboring country and partner for Japan. In response to the current international situation, I believe there is something that both countries can do through cooperation between Japan and the ROK, as well as among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK. Based on this fundamental belief, Japan will continue to make efforts to maintain close communication with the ROK.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: I would like to ask about Diet deliberations and diplomacy. I checked how many times you spoke at the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors last Friday and Saturday (as stated), and you spoke zero times on Thursday and eight times on Saturday (as stated). In three of those times, you responded to questions about political funds, and in five of those times, to questions about purely diplomatic matters. The time spent responding to eight questions was, according to my calculation, 4 minutes and 38 seconds. You are at the meetings for 14 hours and are sitting without speaking for roughly 13 hours and 55 minutes. This is very inefficient. Given the ongoing situations in the Middle East and Ukraine, the military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK, and the domestic situation in the ROK, you are present, yet no questions are asked to you on these matters. It truly seems that the Diet is wasting the Foreign Minister’s time. This situation should be changed somehow. I have long viewed this as a problem. In this light, I would like to ask what thoughts are running through your mind as you sit there for this length of time. What is your view on the ideal arrangement between Diet commitments and diplomacy? As a member of the cabinet, it may be difficult to explain in depth. However, on this occasion, I would appreciate it if you could set that aside and share your honest opinion. Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: Thank you for your concern. Honestly, it is regrettable that I have been asked few questions. However, considering that this is the first Diet debate since the Ishiba administration fully got underway, I believe that questioners wish to hear the Prime Minister’s views as much as possible. With regard to diplomatic matters, as you just stated, the international situation is fluid, and there are many topics. In fact, a series of questions on those matters have been directed at the Prime Minister. I have been listening to the discussions understanding that this is an opportunity for the Prime Minister to present his basic views.

The meetings of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense of the House of Councillors will be starting soon. At those meetings, I expect that the Foreign Minister will need to be at the front and provide answers or engage in discussions. For now, I will wait patiently.

China Daily, Jiang: I am JIANG Xueqing from China Daily. At a forum in Tokyo last week, you expressed your desire to visit China at the earliest opportunity to engage in in-depth discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to address outstanding issues and explore ways to expand collaborative efforts. What are your expectations for this meeting?

Minister Iwaya: I am pleased that the Tokyo-Beijing Forum last week was a great success. If time permitted, I would have liked to listen to some of the discussions and participate in them myself. However, due to my commitments at the Diet, I had to leave shortly after giving my remarks. As I also stated then, I hope to meet with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in person as soon as possible and hold dialogues and discussions on the various issues between the two countries.

Due to the Diet schedule, I am not yet able to announce a visit to China, but I would like to expedite the arrangements to pay a visit as early as possible.

As for outcomes, there are various issues between Japan and China, which I will not list now. I hope that we can make progress toward a resolution, even if it is little by little at a time. I believe China has various points it would like to make, and there are points Japan must raise. I will make efforts to ensure that we can make even a slight progress toward a resolution on these wide-ranging issues.

Tribune News, Susilo: Could you just share with us the objectives and expectations for the Prime Minister’s visit to Indonesia next month?

Minister Iwaya: While there are various reports about the visit, nothing has been decided yet regarding the Prime Minister’s overseas visit next year.

Now, summit meetings have become very important. No matter where and when the Prime Minister pays a visit, MOFA will make utmost efforts to back the Prime Minister up to ensure that diplomatic outcomes can be fully delivered. A visit has still not been decided.