Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I have one announcement at the outset. At today’s Cabinet meeting, the Government of Japan decided to sign an agreement on its association to Horizon Europe, the European Union’s research and development funding program. The agreement will be signed the day after tomorrow, on Thursday, July 30, in Brussels.

We expect that the signing of this agreement will encourage Japanese companies, universities, and research institutions to participate in EU’s international collaborative research networks and help strengthen Japan’s scientific and technological capabilities.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, ONDA: I would like to ask about the situation in Iran. Since July 24, U.S. forces have paused the attacks against Iran, which began on July 11 and continued for 13 consecutive days, while Iran has also halted its retaliatory attacks. There are also media reports suggesting that U.S. President Trump is inclined toward negotiations. You have stated that Japan will make every effort to foster the conditions necessary for the U.S.-Iran talks. I would like to ask for your assessment of the pause in the exchange of attacks and your views on the role Japan would play, including how Japan would engage the Iranian side.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: At present, the exchange of attacks between the U.S. and Iran have temporarily ceased, and U.S. President Trump has stated that the U.S. will pursue negotiations with Iran. I regard this as a short-term but positive development. Although the situation certainly remains unpredictable, Japan hopes that the U.S.-Iran talks will continue and that efforts will be made toward an early de-escalation of the situation.

Peace and stability in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz, are of paramount importance not only to Japan but also to the broader international community. Japan continues to make every diplomatic effort, by fully leveraging its channels of dialogue with various countries, including the U.S. and Iran, with a view to achieving an early de-escalation of the situation and to the steady progress in the U.S.-Iran talks.

In particular, I have already held seven telephone calls with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi since February 28 and have continuously called for an early de-escalation of the situation and for the restoration of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without additional cost.

I intend to speak with Foreign Minister Araghchi again soon. Japan will continue to maintain communication with the relevant countries and make every effort to foster the conditions necessary for a diplomatic resolution.

Asahi Shimbun, MIYAWAKI: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. You stated that on July 22, while visiting Manila, you exchanged greetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. In contrast, Lin Jian, Deputy Director General of the Department of Press, Communication and Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, said at his regular press conference yesterday that “no contact or exchange of words ever took place.” What is your reaction to China’s statement?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I addressed this matter during my press briefing in Manila last week, and I believe you were able to hear my response. I have nothing further to add.

In any case, Japan believes that it is important to maintain communication with China at multiple levels.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is about Japan-Myanmar relations. Myanmar has been participating in some ASEAN meetings and seems to be normalising its relations with ASEAN. Is Japan in a position to open a new chapter in direct dialogue with Myanmar, with which it has historically had good relations?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: I believe the recent ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ meetings were attended by a Myanmar official. Japan continues to be of the view that political progress, such as the immediate cessation of violence, the release of detainees, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and sincere dialogue among the parties concerned, as well as efforts to improve the people’s lives are indispensable to improving the situation in Myanmar.

Based on this view, Japan will continue to strengthen its efforts to improve the situation, including through engagement with all stakeholders, particularly the Myanmar authorities.