Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: This will be the final press conference of the year. I would like to express my appreciation for all your support and cooperation over the past two months since I assumed office as Foreign Minister.

I have no announcements today. Please feel free to ask your questions.

Hokkaido Shimbun, MURAKAMI: House of Councillors member SUZUKI Muneo from the Liberal Democratic Party is visiting Russia. He plans to meet with senior government officials and others. He intends to ask for the resumption of visits to graves in the Northern Territories and the swift conclusion of a fisheries agreement with Russia, among other matters. What significance do you see in a Diet member visiting Russia at a time when the prospects for political dialogue between Japan and Russia have become uncertain due to deteriorating bilateral relations? Mr. SUZUKI met with you before leaving Japan. What did the two of you discuss? Did you convey anything directly to Mr. SUZUKI?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Yesterday, House of Councillors member SUZUKI Muneo came to see me. As this was a meeting at the personal level, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of our discussion.

That being said, Japan-Russia relations are currently in a very difficult situation. At the same time, there are many pending issues that must be resolved as neighboring countries, including the resumption of visits to graves in the Northern Territories and the fisheries issue. I believe that it is necessary for the Government to continue appropriate communication with Russia.

Jiji Press, CHIBA: I would like to ask about the renewed outbreak of military clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. Although ceasefire talks began on December 24, fighting has continued, and I understand that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has raised its Travel Advice and Warning for some areas of Cambodia. Please tell us how the Government of Japan intends to engage with both countries.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The Government of Japan expresses deep concern over the situation where military clashes have once again escalated between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Kingdom of Thailand since December, resulting in the increase in casualties including civilians and refugees, and damage to civilian facilities in both countries.

Talks are currently underway between the defense officials of the two countries. The Government of Japan strongly hopes that a ceasefire will be steadily realized through such dialogue.

On December 18, last week, I held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak of Thailand. On that occasion, I conveyed Japan’s position directly to the Minister. In addition, until yesterday, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs NAMAZU was dispatched to Cambodia. He conveyed the same message to the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia.

The Government of Japan will continue to urge both countries to seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue at various levels and will make continued efforts to promote the de-escalation of the situation.

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: I would like to ask about support for Ukraine. On December 19, President Zelenskyy posted on his X: “I thank Japan and Prime Minister @takaichi_sanae for the decision to provide additional financial support to Ukraine next year. The total aid amounts to nearly $6 billion.” The supplementary budget for FY2025 was passed on December 16, and the 219th extraordinary session of the Diet closed on December 17. If President Zelenskyy’s post is accurate, it would mean that the support for Ukraine was decided after the Diet session concluded. Can you explain the process of the decision to provide this support? Furthermore, at the press conference on December 9, you explained the support for Ukraine in three fields: humanitarian, financial, and recovery and reconstruction. Can you please elaborate on Japan’s support, especially regarding reconstruction and recovery assistance? What assistance has Japan provided so far, and what forms of support are you considering going forward?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding the process leading to the announcement, the G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting was held on December 19, and at this meeting, Japan announced that it would provide $6 billion in assistance to Ukraine.

As for recovery and reconstruction assistance, Japan has provided support in a variety of fields, with a particular focus on three areas: the restoration of basic services, including infrastructure for electricity; the recovery of agricultural production and industrial development; and the strengthening of democracy and governance.

Japan intends to continue providing whatever support it can, carefully taking into account the needs on the ground in Ukraine while coordinating with the G7 members.

Asian News International, ITAGAKI: Since the beginning of December, there appears to be a thaw in the confrontational relationship between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. A telephone meeting was held between the two leaders, and Prime Minister Modi said that he had a “very warm and engaging conversation.” It also seems that the details of the agreement are being finalized between the U.S. Trade Representative and the Government of India. Initially, there was a speculation that the two leaders, or rather, the two countries might reach an agreement as early as the end of the year. However, it now seems increasingly likely that the agreement will be concluded when the two leaders meet in January. Several reports have already suggested that the leaders may reach an understanding and sign an agreement at that meeting. That is the current speculation. How does the Government of Japan view these developments? Does the Government intend to engage with the two countries to accelerate or build on these efforts?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding the first half of your question, as it concerns discussions between the U.S. and India rather than Japan, I am not in a position to comment on this matter. In addition, as your question relates to future prospects, I am not in a position to assess whether such views are correct or incorrect, and therefore would like to refrain from commenting.

In any case, Japan regards the U.S. and India as important partners for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP). I believe both countries share this recognition. Japan intends to emphasize that the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. Quad framework is critical for FOIP and reach out to both countries regarding the holding of a high-level meeting as early as possible.