Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I will be visiting Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from February 20 to 22 to attend at G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Then, I will visit Panama on February 23.

At the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we plan to discuss matters such as the situation in Ukraine, response to the situation in the Middle East, and global governance reform including United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform. Building on the outcomes of my visits to Europe and North America at the beginning of the year as well as my visit to Pacific Island countries last week, I will actively convey Japan’s position and initiatives aimed at promoting the rule of law and realizing a world where human dignity is protected.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of G20 cooperation and poses a significant challenge to the rule of law which all member countries should uphold. There is an urgent need to realize a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible. I will communicate that Japan will vigorously promote the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine through the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction we will hold on February 19.

There have also been developments such as the military operation in Rafah. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza becomes ever more serious, it is a matter of course that Hamas release the hostages as soon as possible. At the same time, further harm to innocent civilians in Gaza must be prevented at all costs.

To this end, Japan expects the ensuring of humanitarian access, the swift realization of a humanitarian pause that leads to the release of the hostages, and the realization of a sustainable pause. Based on this view, we urge parties concerned to act immediately from a humanitarian perspective. I will articulate this, including Japan’s efforts, to have a shared sense of urgency and crisis among the G20 members.

Furthermore, the system of global governance is currently in question as the international community undergoes structural changes. It is important above all that the United Nations (UN), which should be at the core of multilateralism, fulfills its intended role by enhancing its functions, including UNSC reform. Additionally, reform of multilateral development banks (MDBs) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) is urgently needed. I plan to actively contribute to the discussion on these challenges facing global governance.

I would also like to mention the objective of my visit to Panama. Latin American and Caribbean countries are important partners for Japan that share common values and principles, including freedom and democracy, to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” based on the rule of law.

Among them, Panama is a country situated in a key junction of marine transportation with which Japan has a long-standing diplomatic relationship spanning 120 years. Building on my recent visit to island countries, I will visit Panama to strengthen cooperation between our two countries for maintaining and advancing a “free and open ocean” supported by a maritime order based on the rule of law. Furthermore, Panama has been putting efforts into policies for women in recent years, and I hope to deepen cooperation with Panama on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask a question on your opening remarks. Brazil is a representative country of the Global South and a country which shares common interests with Japan, including UNSC reform. Please tell us again the significance of Brazil’s presence and your visit to the country.

Minister Kamikawa: The question was on Brazil. Brazil is fulfilling a critical role in Latin America and the Caribbean region, and by extension, the international community by serving as the G20 Presidency this year.

Japan and Brazil share common values and principles, such as freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and this year marks ten years since the establishment of our “Strategic and Global Partnership.” The two countries are also connected by a special bond through the Nikkei community of approximately two million people in Brazil, the largest in the world.

Japan will continue to work together with our partner Brazil to address various issues of the international community including energy and food security, climate change, health, development, and peace and stability.

For example, Japan and Brazil are members of the G4, a framework of countries cooperating on UNSC reform. We intend to continue to work together closely in areas such as enhancing the functions of the UN, including UNSC reform.

In addition, in the area of the environment and climate change, to which Brazil also attaches importance, Japan will cooperate with Brazil forholding a successful G20 Rio Summit and COP30 in Brazil. For example, building on Japan-Brazil cooperation for addressing illegal logging in the Amazon and other issues, the two countries will further strengthen their partnership, including collaboration on third-country initiatives.

Asahi Shimbun, Takahashi: I too have a question relating to your opening remarks. Last year, then Foreign Minister Hayashi could not attend the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting as it overlapped with a Diet meeting, but you will be attending the meeting this year. I understand that it is difficult to coordinate the Diet and diplomatic schedules. In light of the circumstances, I would like to ask for your view on attending this year’s meeting.

Minister Kamikawa: As I understand, the attendee at last year’s G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was determined based on a comprehensive consideration of factors, such as the dates of the meeting and official duties in Japan, as you just referred to, as well as their content.

It has been decided that I will attend the meeting this year. As I stated earlier, I will actively convey Japan’s position and initiatives on the key issues facing the international community.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I would like to once again ask about the significance of the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction, which is planned to be held on February 19. A session on WPS is on the agenda. What kind of message are you planning to issue? Specifically, what are the envisioned initiatives for integrating the WPS perspective into the reconstruction of Ukraine? Please share with us your thoughts.

Minister Kamikawa: As the launch of Russia’s aggression nears its two-year mark on February 24, Japan will host the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction. We believe this conference is extremely important for Japan taking the lead in the international community in showing solidarity with Ukraine under Japan’s own initiative.

When I visited Ukraine, I saw with my own eyes the severe situation the Ukrainian people are in, within their everyday lives, including their children’s education, while the country’s battle to defend itself has continued for nearly two years. As to how to engage in this issue, I was strongly reminded that Japan needs to make its stand clear and respond accordingly, through my visit.

It is necessary to provide steady recovery and reconstruction support for the people of Ukraine who must continue to live even as the war continues.

In response to the various needs on the ground, Japan will extend support for the self-sustaining development of Ukraine, ranging from initial emergency humanitarian assistance to mid- to long-term assistance for rebuilding people’s livelihoods, reconstruction, and industrial advances, and contribute to rebuilding the nation as a whole.

As for the question on WPS, Japan will advance concrete initiatives in all of these phases by standing with the people of Ukraine, including women and children, and integrating the WPS perspective.

It is critical that the outcomes of this conference lead to efforts across the international community. In June, Germany will host a conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine. We will work to strengthen international cooperation including through such conferences.

Nikkei Shimbun, Nemoto: I would like to ask about North Korea. Kim Yo-jong of North Korea issued a statement yesterday, saying that “the day of the prime minister’s Pyongyang visit might come,” while at the same time expressing the position that the abductions issue is resolved. What was North Korea’s intention in issuing a statement at this timing? Please share with us Japan’s diplomatic policy toward North Korea as well as your opinion.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the statement issued by Vice Department Director Kim Yo-jong. We are taking this into consideration.

Prime Minister Kishida has stated that he would like to hold high-level talks under his direct supervision to realize a summit meeting with Chairman Kim Jong-un, with a view to resolve the outstanding issues with North Korea.

Japan has constantly called for talks through a range of channels, and I, as Foreign Minister, intend to lead the diplomatic effort to realize these talks.

The Government of Japan is not in a position to comment on North Korea’s intention or purpose and will refrain from making comments. There is no change to Japan’s policy to reach a comprehensive resolution of various issues such as abductions, nuclear, and missiles, in accordance with the Japan-DPRK Pyongyang Declaration.

Mainichi Shimbun, Murao: I have a question on the situation in the Gaza Strip. As you mentioned at the beginning, international concerns over the Israeli military’s invasion of Rafah appear to have heightened considerably. President Macron reportedly expressed his “firm opposition” to the invasion in telephone talks with Prime Minister Netanyahu. What is the position of the Government of Japan on the invasion of Rafah, which is certain to cause further deterioration in the humanitarian situation? Some say that the Government should make its opposition clear. What are your thoughts?

Minister Kamikawa: Israel is conducting a military operation involving large-scale airstrikes in Rafah, a densely populated area. If the military operation continues without taking adequate measures for the evacuation and protection of civilians, it will clearly result in a catastrophe with even more casualties and make humanitarian assistance efforts ever more challenging.

It is a matter of course that Hamas release the hostages as soon as possible. At the same time, further harm to innocent civilians in Gaza must be prevented at all cost.

To this end, Japan expects the ensuring of humanitarian access, the swift realization of a humanitarian pause that leads to the release of the hostages, and the realization of a sustainable pause. Based on this view, we urge parties concerned to act immediately from a humanitarian perspective.

Japan highly appreciates the tireless diplomatic efforts made by the U.S. and other countries toward the immediate release of the hostages and improving the humanitarian situation on the ground. Japan has been making and will continue to make active and persistent diplomatic efforts toward improving the situation, including calling on the countries concerned, in view of what approaches are realistic.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I have a question concerning remarks made by former President Trump. At a recent rally, Mr. Trump stated that, when he is in office, the U.S. will not defend NATO members from a Russian attack and will encourage Russia’s operation unless NATO members raise their defense spending. As a U.S. ally, what does Japan think of his remarks? Secondly, Mr. Trump is urging allies to increase their defense spending, and Japan has decided to increase its defense budget. Please tell us your thoughts on how the U.S. views Japan’s contribution to the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Furthermore, the U.S. presidential election will be held this year. In this context, how will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensure U.S. commitment to the Japan-U.S. Alliance with the State Department? Please share with us your views.

Minister Kamikawa: There were several questions.

First, regarding the remarks made by former President Trump, although I am aware of them, I would like to refrain from commenting on individual remarks made by another country’s Presidential candidate.

That being said, the U.S. is Japan’s only alliance partner with which we share fundamental values and the Japan-U.S. Alliance is the linchpin of Japan’s foreign policy and security.

In late 2022, Japan formulated new strategies, including the National Security Strategy, to firmly defend our nation and the Japanese people. It was decided, among other measures, that in FY2027, Japan will take the necessary measures to make the level of its budget, for both the fundamental reinforcement of defense capabilities and complementary initiatives, reach 2% of the 2022 GDP.

In addition, at the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee, or Japan-U.S. “2+2,” convened in January of last year, Japan reaffirmed its determination to lead in its own defense and to expand its roles, in cooperation with the U.S. and other partners, to actively engage in maintaining regional peace and stability.

In response, the U.S. expressed its strong support for Japan’s national security policies as significant policies that bolster Alliance deterrence.

Japan will continue to work closely with the U.S. to reinforce our own defense capabilities as well as further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the Japan-U.S. relationship.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question regarding diplomacy toward Russia. It will soon be two years since Russia invaded Ukraine. The situation surrounding Japan’s diplomacy toward Russia has changed considerably before and after the invasion. In your opinion, what kind of diplomatic approach is needed with the neighboring country of Russia from a long-term standpoint? The stance expressed by Japan has been to appropriately deal with issues between the two countries from the perspective of what is in Japan’s national interests. For example, does Japan intend to continue maintaining its rights and interests over LNG development projects in the Far East and the Arctic?.

Minister Kamikawa: First, there was a question on Japan’s long-term approach for diplomacy toward Russia.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order and is absolutely unacceptable. To put an end to the aggression as soon as possible, Japan has been proceeding with efforts including implementing severe sanctions against Russia, in coordination with the G7 and the rest of the international community.

At the same time, we will appropriately deal with issues that need to be addressed by Japan and Russia as neighbors, such as those related to fishing and other economic activities as well as maritime safety, from the perspective of what is in Japan’s national interests in the overall diplomacy of our country.

With regard to the Northern Territories issue, Japan will firmly maintain its policy of concluding a peace treaty through the resolution of the territorial issue.

There was also a question on LNG development projects in the Far East and the Arctic. Japan’s policy is to maintain its rights and interests over Sakhalin-2 to ensure Japan’s stable supply of energy in the mid- to long-term.

We are still reviewing the details of the impact of last November’s U.S. sanctions on the Arctic LNG 2 Project. We will make a decision based on a comprehensive consideration and take appropriate responses so as not to undermine our stable energy supply.

Freelance, Shiba: I would like to ask about Gaza. As you stated, the rule of law is extremely important, and I agree that the genocide in Rafah in breach of international humanitarian law must be stopped at all cost. My question is as follows. I believe simply expressing concern is inadequate, and Japan needs to respond with a firmer stance. For example, Japan can seek compensation from the Government of Israel if facilities and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip constructed with Japan’s support are destroyed by the Israeli military, which they already have been. This is important not only in preventing attacks on civilians and civilian facilities but also in demonstrating sincerity toward Japanese taxpayers. What are your thoughts on this? Has Japan ever made such a request in the past? There were large-scale attacks in Gaza in 2014 and 2009. Has Japan ever calculated the cost of damages to the facilities and infrastructure constructed with Japan’s support and lodged a protest with Israel or demanded compensation?

Minister Kamikawa: With regard to the question on Israeli compensation, current circumstances make it difficult to immediately investigate the precise damages caused to facilities constructed with Japan’s support. We intend to conduct appropriate assessments when the situation allows.

We have been emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians as well as civilian facilities constructed with Japan’s support, and urging Israel to act in accordance with international law including international humanitarian law.

Japan will continue to communicate closely with relevant countries and international organizations, and urge all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and to act in good faith in accordance with the related UNSC resolutions.

There was also a question on damages sustained in the past. It is true that some facilities constructed with Japan’s support have been damaged in previous conflicts in Gaza. We need to address such damages caused by armed conflict based on a consideration of various circumstances. There have been cases when relevant international organizations investigated the damages.

In any case, we will coordinate with relevant international organizations to address this issue.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I have a question on the situation in Ukraine. Mr. Trump’s odds of winning the U.S. presidential election are rising. His position is in stark contrast to President Biden’s, who insists on continuing the conflict in Ukraine. Mr. Trump asserts that he can stop the war immediately once he is in office. The Kishida government has closely aligned with the Biden administration and provided substantial support to the Zelenskyy government, which is committed to continuing the war. If Mr. Trump were to be elected and stopped the war, will the Government of Japan suddenly reverse its diplomatic policy? Should Japan not carry out diplomacy bearing in mind the possibilities of both the war stopping and reconciliation with Russia? I would appreciate your answer.

Minister Kamikawa: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is a unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force and an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order. It has had implications for not only Europe but also the entire international community, including the Indo-Pacific. We consider that it is necessary to demonstrate that such acts come at a high cost.

Based on such ideas, we have strongly supported Ukraine and promoted sanctions against Russia in close cooperation with the international community including G7 to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

We will continue to take thorough responses in coordination with a range of international partners, including not only the U.S. and the rest of the G7 members, but also the countries in the Global South.