Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Yesterday, I received a resolution from the LDP calling for the fundamental reinforcement of diplomatic capabilities. The resolution states that, in a world undergoing historic upheaval, Japan needs to reinforce its diplomatic and defense capabilities in a balanced manner, and to fundamentally reinforce its diplomatic capabilities based on the understanding that “a diplomatic failure can lead a country down the wrong path.”

Precisely now, in the midst of global upheaval, it is important to conduct diplomacy based on dialogue and cooperation. In these times when the scope of diplomacy is expanding significantly, demanding the reinforcement of diplomatic capabilities, I personally feel that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is already stretched to its limits. Fully building on the discussions within the LDP, MOFA will work to ensure that we secure the necessary budget and personnel.

That is all from me at the outset.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the situation concerning Israel. I have a number of questions. I will start with the shooting incident on May 21 that targeted a diplomatic delegation, including diplomats of Japan, that was making a site visit to the West Bank. First, please share your comments on this incident. During the meeting of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense of the House of Councillors, you mentioned receiving an explanation from Israel that its investigation results would be shared with Japan. Since then, has the Israeli side provided any explanation about the facts?

In addition, regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, the UK has decided to suspend trade negotiations with Israel and to strengthen sanctions against settlers in the West Bank. Please tell us about any measures the Government of Japan is currently considering against Israel.

Minister Iwaya: First, regarding the facts, we understand that, on May 21, the Israeli military fired warning shots while a diplomatic delegation, including diplomats of Japan, was making a site visit to the Jenin refugee camp in the northern part of the West Bank.

We understand that there were no injuries, including among the Japanese diplomats. A detailed investigation into the facts is still ongoing on the ground. Such an incident is deeply regrettable and should not have happened.

Immediately following the incident, the Director-General of the Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau made a protest to the Ambassador of Israel to Japan. In addition, the Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of Japan to Israel made a protest to the Head of Asia Pacific Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and others.

Furthermore, yesterday, May 22, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Funakoshi summoned Mr. Cohen, Ambassador of Israel to Japan, made a severe protest, and strongly requested a full explanation and prevention of recurrence.

The Israeli side fully acknowledged our request, expressed regret over this incident, and explained that an investigation into the facts is currently underway and that the investigation results would be shared with Japan appropriately.

As of now, we have not yet received an explanation.

Japan will continue to strongly request a full explanation and prevention of recurrence from the Israeli side.

On this occasion, I would also like to say a few words on the killing of two Israeli Embassy staff members in Washington, D.C., on May 21 local time.

I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the two people who lost their lives. The Government of Japan would like to emphasize its position once again that terrorism is unacceptable and not tolerated anywhere in the world.

Furthermore, the reoccupation of Gaza and the expansion of military operations are further worsening the already grave humanitarian situation in Gaza. Such acts run counter to the realization of a two-state solution, and Japan steadfastly opposes them. We strongly urge Israel to take appropriate actions in response to these issues.

At the Japan-Israel Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on May 13, I urged Foreign Minister Sa’ar to return to the ceasefire negotiations and to work in good faith towards the continuation of the ceasefire agreement. In addition, I strongly called on Foreign Minister Sa’ar directly to abide by international law, including international humanitarian law, such as protecting civilians and ensuring humanitarian assistance.

Additionally, the violent acts committed by some extremist settlers in the West Bank are unacceptable, and we strongly condemn such violence. Last July, Japan decided to impose sanction measures, including asset freezes, on four settlers involved in violent acts against Palestinians.

We will continue to work with the international community, including the G7, in urging the Government of Israel to fully freeze its settlement activities.

That is all.

Kyodo News, Sakaguchi: The U.S. government announced that President Trump will attend the G7 Summit to be held in Canada in June. There were some speculations that President Trump would not attend. What are your thoughts on the President’s intention to attend? Additionally, during this morning’s Japan-U.S. summit telephone talk, it was confirmed that President Trump would meet in person with Prime Minister Ishiba on the occasion of the G7 Summit. Minister Akazawa left Japan today for the tariff negotiations. Please tell us whether or not Japan aims to reach a Japan-U.S. agreement on tariffs during the G7 Summit. Could you also share your expectations for this weekend’s negotiations between Minister Akazawa and the U.S. side? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: I understand that the U.S. government announced President Trump's attendance at the G7 Kananaskis Summit. Also, in the Japan-U.S. summit telephone talk this morning, I understand that there was an exchange between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump that they look forward to a face-to-face meeting on the occasion of the G7.

I believe the unity of the G7 is extremely important as the international community faces various issues. Japan will strive to maintain close communication with other G7 members, including at the leader level, and further strengthen G7 cooperation.

Regarding the Japan-U.S. Consultation, I would like to refrain from responding about when an agreement will be reached by based on speculation. As you are aware, the two sides have concurred on aiming to reach and announce an agreement between the leaders at the earliest possible opportunity.

What is important is that the two sides reach a “win-win” agreement that would be mutually beneficial for both Japan and the U.S. We believe it would be self-defeating if priority is given to reaching an agreement quickly at the cost of undermining Japan’s national interests.

Giving due consideration to the outcomes of the consultations so far, the Government will continue to make all-out efforts, working as a unified force and addressing this issue as our utmost priority.

Minister Akazawa is en route to the U.S. I expect that utmost progress will be made in the next round of consultation, based on the goals of achieving, at the earliest possible opportunity, a comprehensive agreement that will strengthen both the Japanese and U.S. economies and urging a reconsideration of the series of tariff measures.

I have been briefed that the Japan-U.S. summit telephone talk took place in a very positive atmosphere, and I expect that this will contribute to the ministerial consultation.

Jiji Press, Chiba: The U.S. Government announced yesterday that it has revoked Harvard University’s SEVP certification. It is worrying what impact this will have on the many Japanese students who are enrolled at the university. Could you share with us your thoughts on this matter and how MOFA will be addressing it, if at all?

Minister Iwaya: Regarding the announcement on the termination of Harvard University’s SEVP certification, we are aware of the announcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that you referred to. We are somewhat surprised by it.

In response to this announcement, MOFA has conveyed to the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo that there are many Japanese students, including MOFA personnel, enrolled at Harvard University, that the Government of Japan is closely following the situation with great concern, and that it urges the U.S. Government to provide further information from the perspective of minimizing the impact on Japanese students. In Washington, D.C., the Embassy of Japan in the U.S. will be similarly urging the U.S. to provide information.

In the case that Japanese students consult us, the MOFA headquarters and diplomatic missions will do their best to support them as much as possible. In doing so, we will continue to take the necessary actions upon confirming the details of this measure and Harvard University’s response.

Jiji Press, Chiba: I have one more question concerning international students. Ever since the Trump administration came into office, the U.S. has revoked the visas of international students in succession, and there are reports that Japanese students have also been affected. How do you perceive the current situation? In addition, could you please share whether there are any measures the Government of Japan can take?

Minister Iwaya: Since April of this year, our diplomatic missions have received several inquiries and questions from Japanese students in the U.S. who had their student visas or residency statuses revoked by the U.S. Government and would like to know whether it was possible to have them reinstated.

In response to these inquiries and questions, we have been doing our best to provide support as much as possible based on their individual circumstances, and where necessary, we have offered support including giving referrals to lawyers.

In addition to these efforts, in terms of providing further information, the Embassy and Consulates-General of Japan in the U.S. sent out a consular email on May 1, to Japanese nationals residing in the U.S., explaining, among other matters, the actions to take in the case that their student visa or residency status is revoked in the U.S.

The Government of Japan has been in discussion with the U.S. Government on visa cancellations and will continue to maintain close communication with the U.S. Government.