Press Conferences

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

President Peña of the Republic of Paraguay is paying a visit to Japan from May 19 to 23 on the occasion of the National Day of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Later, I am scheduled to hold a meeting with Foreign Minister Ramírez, who is accompanying the President during his visit to Japan.

Together with Foreign Minister Ramírez, I hope to deepen the relationship between Japan and Paraguay, which shares common values and principles and is a traditional longstanding friend, and confirm that the two countries will further work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

That is all from me at the outset.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: I would like to ask about the U.S.-Russia summit telephone meeting held last night. Russia is reportedly demanding that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the four eastern and southern oblasts it has declared as annexed, as well as recognize Russia’s sovereignty over the four oblasts and the Crimean Peninsula. What are your thoughts on the U.S.-Russia telephone meeting? In addition, Japan has been asserting that we must not allow a situation to arise from which wrong precedents can be drawn. I would like to ask if Japan’s position remains unchanged.

Minister Iwaya: I understand that there was an exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine during the U.S.-Russia summit telephone meeting held on May 19. We hope that such diplomatic efforts by the relevant countries will lead to resolving the situation.

That being said, the peace to be achieved in Ukraine has significant impact on global security and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Therefore, wrong precedents must not be drawn. There is no change in Japan’s position or thinking.

Japan continues to have strong expectations for Russia to take positive actions for a comprehensive ceasefire and the realization of a just and lasting peace as soon as possible. We will continue to work closely with the international community.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the presidential election in Romania. Dr. Dan, a pro-EU candidate, won the runoff held on May 18. Please share your thoughts on the election results.

Minister Iwaya: I am aware that the runoff of the presidential election was held on May 18 in Romania, and that the Central Electoral Bureau of Romania announced on May 19 that Dr. Dan, a candidate who advocates pro-EU policies, secured a majority of the votes.

I am also aware that the first round of voting, which was held last November prior to the recent voting, was deemed invalid by the Constitutional Court of Romania on the grounds that numerous irregularities and electoral violations were confirmed. I also understand that, in this so-called rerun election, Dr. Dan, whom I just mentioned, was elected.

In my capacity as a member of the Government of Japan, I would like to refrain from assessing the judicial decision or election results of another country. That being said, Japan will continue to work to strengthen its bilateral relationship and cooperation in the international arena with Romania, a partner that shares common values and principles, including working with President-elect Dan who is expected to officially assume office.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask one more question. Many of the irregularities you mentioned earlier are believed to have been the result of Russian interference. Please explain what measures the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is currently taking against foreign interference or cognitive warfare in Japan.

Minister Iwaya: Geopolitical competition is now intensifying. In the current internet-based society, information warfare is constantly being waged through foreign information manipulation. Under these circumstances, we are gathering and analyzing information on cyberspace activities related to Japan’s key policies, using AI and other tools. Based on the findings, we will conduct strategic external communication in a timely and appropriate manner.

There is increasing awareness of the issue of foreign information manipulation, not only in Japan but also in many other countries. Japan has engaged in information sharing and discussions to strengthen capabilities for countering this issue, both in multilateral fora including the G7 and bilaterally with the United States and other countries.

MOFA will continue to work closely with relevant ministries and agencies and further strengthen its capabilities to counter foreign information manipulation.