Press Conferences

Kyodo News, ONDA: Indian media have reported that a Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is being arranged in the final week of May in India. Please tell us about the status of these arrangements, as well as the significance of Quad cooperation and the need for a Quad Leaders’ Meeting in light of the unstable situation in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: Nothing has been decided at this stage regarding the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Japan attaches importance to the Quad framework in promoting practical cooperation toward the realization of the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” vision.

As the Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was first held on the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly session in September 2019, the same month I assumed my previous tenure as Foreign Minister, I have a personal affinity to the meeting and regard it as an important forum. Japan intends to continue working to further deepen the quadrilateral cooperation and strongly promote initiatives that truly benefit the countries in the region, as well as to further evolve FOIP through various multilateral frameworks, such as Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea and Japan-U.S.-Philippines frameworks.

Asahi Shimbun, MIYAWAKI: The UK and France will host a virtual meeting on the Freedom of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz today. Could you tell us about the current status of Japan’s considerations regarding its participation? I would also like to ask for your views on how Japan should be involved in activities to ensure the safety of vessels, including minesweeping after the cessation of hostilities, and cooperation with the UK and France.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The Government of Japan is currently considering its manner of participation in the meeting scheduled for this evening, which you mentioned.

Given that the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz changes day by day, I believe it is difficult at this stage for any country to predict precise nature of its involvement in efforts to ensure the safety of navigation after the cessation of hostilities. I would therefore like to refrain from speculating on this matter.

In any case, the key point is that unless a ceasefire is first achieved or agreement is reached, no further action can be taken. What matters most is that de-escalation, including ensuring the safety of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, is steadily achieved. We strongly hope that the talks between the U.S. and Iran will resume and a final agreement will be reached promptly through dialogue.

Asahi Shimbun, MIYAWAKI: Excuse me for turning to a different topic, but the Annual Spring Rites of Yasukuni Shrine will commence on April 21 of next week. Do you have any plans to visit the shrine?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I do not.