Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have two announcements.

First, today marks exactly 100 days since I assumed the post of Minister for Foreign Affairs. Allow me to take this opportunity to share my thoughts with you. When I was appointed Foreign Minister on September 13, Prime Minister Kishida entrusted me to conduct Japanese diplomacy steadfastly based on the foundation of trust that Japan has developed with various countries.

I have striven with determination to firmly carry on Japan’s diplomatic achievements made by my predecessors and to make utmost efforts to tackle important issues. During these 100 days, to address urgent issues, including the ongoing severe situation in Ukraine and the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, I traveled across Japan and the world a total of nine times. I also chaired a total of three G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meetings, including a telephone talk.

In doing so, I have met and built personal relationships with many counterparts and partners in both Japan and the world. An example of this is “outreach diplomacy,” which strengthens ties with a variety of stakeholders, including ambassadors to Japan, and translates the discussions I had with them into diplomatic activities. I can say from experience that a key asset to diplomacy is interpersonal relationships.

Next year, important elections will be held in many countries, and international situations, including in Ukraine and the Middle East, will be at a critical juncture. As Foreign Minister, I will continue to endeavor to meet the international community’s high expectations and trust placed in Japanese diplomacy and open up new possibilities for Japanese diplomacy.

On the occasion of the 100th day, I would like to embark new initiatives as well. Some ideas include strengthening the communication to the public, including through the use of social media, promoting cooperation with local governments in Japan to build up networks, and advancing the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda through the WPS task force, whose establishment within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is under consideration.

Now that I have reached the 100th day milestone, “I have just been appointed” is no longer excusable. I will re-brace myself to carry out my role with the same determination I had initially, namely, firmly protecting Japan’s national interests, increasing Japan’s presence, as well as listening to the voices of the Japanese people and advancing diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people.

Minister Kamikawa: My second announcement is about a luncheon I attended earlier with the ambassadors of the five Nordic countries to Japan and others as part of the outreach diplomacy I just noted.

The Nordic countries are important partners that share common fundamental values and principles with Japan. In particular, they are partners in my life’s work on Arctic cooperation and are advanced countries in gender equality. During today’s luncheon, we confirmed to advance cooperation between Japan and the Nordic countries in these and other wide-ranging fields.

Today’s exchange of views reaffirmed that Japan and the Nordic countries have significant potential for further cooperation. I will work to ensure that this potential leads to various initiatives.

That is all from me.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question related to Russia. On December 21, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia announced that it lodged a protest with the Japanese Embassy in Russia over the exercise conducted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force with the U.S. and Australian forces in Hokkaido near Russia, citing that the provocative action that extra-regional countries participated in constituted a potential threat to Russian security. Please tell us how the Japanese side responded to this protest.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s press release that you mentioned.

On December 18, the Russian Foreign Ministry lodged a protest with the Japanese Embassy in Russia with regard to the implementation of this exercise. In response, the embassy objected that Russia’s protest was unacceptable.

NHK, Igarashi: I would like to ask about NSC. Regarding the agreement on NSC’s acquisition of U.S. Steel, a major steel manufacturer in the United States, the White House issued a statement on December 21, stating that President Biden “believes the purchase of this iconic American-owned company by a foreign entity—even one from a close ally—appears to deserve serious scrutiny in terms of its potential impact on national security and supply chain reliability.” Could you please share the reaction of MOFA and how the Government will be addressing this?

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the statement from the U.S. National Economic Advisor you referred to. However, as this matter concerns the business of an individual company, I would like to refrain from making comments.

In any case, the Japan-U.S. Alliance is stronger than ever. The two countries will continue to work together to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region, maintain and strengthen the free and open rules-based economic order, and advance cooperation on economic security.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: I am asking about Gaza situation. Japan has called for reforms of the Security Council, UNSC, citing the veto power of Russia that undermines international peace and that allowed its aggression against Ukraine that was past a few months. Will you apply the same logic toward the American veto against the ceasefire in Gaza, where over 20,000 people including around 5,000 children and babies have been slaughtered by Israeli occupation forces?

Minister Kamikawa: Ever since I was appointed Foreign Minister this September, I have consistently emphasized the importance of UNSC reform on various occasions. The world has changed dramatically since the UN’s founding, and we believe a UNSC that reflects the world today is needed.

Recent various international developments, as epitomized by the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East you mentioned, have highlighted again the challenges facing the UN, including the issue of the use of the veto. UNSC reform is becoming even more important under these circumstances.

We consider that UNSC reform is not an easy task, given the tremendous complexity of the intertwined interests of various countries. Nevertheless, Japan will persistently work toward reform by cooperating with many countries.

Japan supports the UNSC draft resolution you referred to, which was presented by the United Arab Emirates and was put to a vote on December 8, local time. It is regrettable that the resolution was not adopted. On the other hand, Japan highly appreciates the tireless diplomatic efforts made by the United States toward the immediate release of the hostages, improving the humanitarian situation, and calming down the situation as soon as possible.

In addition, with the aim of adopting a new UNSC draft resolution, UNSC members are engaged in tireless coordination and negotiations to find consensus and improve the humanitarian situation on the ground. Japan is a UNSC member. We will continue to make active efforts in close collaboration with other UNSC members to ensure that the UNSC can fulfill its responsibilities and express its intention in an appropriate manner.