Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I have one announcement.

It is about an Emergency Grant in response to the flood disaster in the central region of Viet Nam.

Today, the Government of Japan decided to extend an Emergency Grant Aid of USD 1.5 million to Viet Nam in response to the severe flood damage caused by heavy rainfall that recently struck the central region.

With this Emergency Grant, Japan will supply non-food items and implement humanitarian assistance in the area of water, sanitation, and hygiene through international organizations.

The Government of Japan intends to coordinate with relevant organizations for the earliest recovery of the affected areas.

In recent weeks, Southeast Asia has suffered damage from typhoons and floods. Japan has extended appropriate assistance in response to the needs and requests of each affected country and will continue to take such responses in the event of similar situations.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, SAKAGUCHI: Ms. Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, held a press conference in which she appealed for global action and cooperation, stating that the support of all democratic nations is essential to achieve a transition from Maduro’s government and realize democratization. Could you please share your thoughts on the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Ms. Machado, as well as how the Government of Japan intends to respond to her calls for support?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Ms. Machado, an opposition leader in Venezuela, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. I believe Ms. Machado was recognized for her efforts to restore democracy in Venezuela.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on such efforts, in whatever capacity, being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, one of the most prestigious international awards.

Regarding the situation in Venezuela, Japan has engaged in issuing G7 foreign ministers’ statements and reached out to the Government of Venezuela, based on our consistent position that it is important to realize the peaceful restoration of democracy in Venezuela as soon as possible with broad participation of all relevant stakeholders, including through dialogues between the Venezuelan ruling and opposition parties.

Japan will continue to follow the situation in Venezuela and work closely with the international community in making efforts toward the peaceful restoration of democracy in the country.

Jiji Press, CHIBA: This is slightly old news, but at the end of last month, Mr. ONUMA Toshiyuki was elected as the Council President of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Together with Mr. METOKI, Director General of the International Bureau of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), two Japanese nationals have been appointed as heads of specialized UN agencies. I heard that this is the highest number ever appointed. Could you please share your thoughts on this? Additionally, I understand the number of Japanese staff members across all UN agencies is increasing. In this regard, what are your expectations for the appointment of Japanese nationals to senior staff positions?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: As you noted, with Ambassador ONUMA’s election as Council President of ICAO, Japanese individuals, including Mr. METOKI, Director General of the International Bureau of the UPU, are now serving as heads of two of the 15 specialized UN agencies.

This reflects both the personal achievements of the two individuals as well as the international community’s recognition of Japan’s contributions over the years, and we welcome these appointments.

As I have stated previously, it is extremely important that Japanese nationals serve in various positions, including senior staff positions, in the UN and other international organizations, not only to strengthen cooperation with these organizations but also to enable Japan to play a leading role in international rule-setting. We intend to continue advancing efforts to enhance Japan’s presence in the UN and other international organizations.

Asahi Shimbun, ONO: I would like to ask about the general elections in Myanmar. The first round of voting is scheduled to take place soon. What is the Government of Japan’s position regarding the legitimacy of the general elections? In addition, many individuals including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi remain detained, and repression continues. Please also tell us what actions the Government of Japan will be urging Myanmar to take.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: While it is difficult to assess legitimacy, the Government of Japan believes that the upcoming general elections should be positioned as a process toward the restoration of the democratic political system.

Japan is seriously concerned that if general elections are held without seeing any moves toward political progress, such as the release of detainees and sincere dialogue among the parties concerned, it could only provoke further strong resistance from the people of Myanmar and make a peaceful resolution more difficult.

In addition to conveying its concerns, the Government of Japan has been urging, and will continue to persistently urge the Myanmar military to take concrete actions to immediately stop the violence, release those who are detained, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and swiftly restore Myanmar’s democratic political system.