Press Conferences

Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have an announcement.

I have been pursuing outreach diplomacy, which involves strengthening ties with a variety of stakeholders and translating it into diplomatic activities. As part of this outreach diplomacy, yesterday, March 25, I visited the Embassy of the United Mexican States in Japan and held an exchange of views with 19 female ambassadors in Tokyo on gender policies, including Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

At the outset, I introduced the number of female ambassadors to Japan and the percentage of women who joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in April, 2023 and I expressed my expectations for the advancement of women in a society.

In addition, I explained about the efforts I have made since assuming the office of Foreign Minister in promoting WPS as part of Japan’s major foreign policy issues, including the launch of a taskforce that will coordinate across the MOFA organization and “WPS + Innovation.”

WPS is innovative in that it is not only about women receiving protection unilaterally, but also strongly encourages women to engage in sustainable peacebuilding as constructive actors.

I mentioned the need to strongly promote WPS from the perspective of building resilient and diverse societies, at a time when vulnerable people, especially women and children, are facing dire circumstances all over the world, including Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa. In response, the attending countries’ female ambassadors expressed their support.

Furthermore, I found it very stimulating to hear firsthand the unique perspectives of like-minded countries that have a shared perception on WPS. Following yesterday’s discussion, I look forward to further deepening my dialogue with female ambassadors in Tokyo.

Based on the insights and suggestions gained from the exchange of views, I will work to apply WPS to concrete policies as a cross-cutting diplomatic approach.

That is all from me.

NHK, Igarashi: I would like to ask about the terrorist attack that occurred on the outskirts of Moscow, the capital of Russia. There are 139 confirmed deaths so far. Russian authorities have charged four alleged perpetrators for their involvement in the terror incident. Please tell us the thoughts of the Government of Japan, and its response to this incident. Additionally, President Putin of Russia stated on March 25 that Islamic extremists carried it out, while also asserting that Ukraine’s involvement is suspected. I would appreciate it if you could also share the Government’s reaction to these remarks.

Minister Kamikawa: On March 22, local time, a terrorist attack occurred at a commercial facility in the outskirts of Moscow, which resulted in a large number of casualties. Japan firmly condemns such an attack against civilians. In addition, Japan extends its sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and expresses its heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured. Japan expresses its solidarity with the victims of this terror attack.

The Government is aware of the remarks made by President Putin as well as the remarks made by President Zelenskyy. However, we would like to refrain from commenting on individual remarks.

Kyodo News, Katsurada: I have a question on North Korea’s statement. Kim Yo-jong of North Korea issued a statement yesterday, which states to the effect that Prime Minister Kishida conveyed his desire to hold a meeting with General Secretary Kim as early as possible. Please share with us your reaction to the statement, and explain again how MOFA intends to deal with North Korea.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware of the statement issued again by Vice Department Director Kim Yo-jong yesterday.

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.

Asahi Shimbun, Matsuyama: I would like to ask about UNRWA. The Independent Review Group investigating the neutrality of UNRWA submitted an interim report to Secretary-General Guterres on March 20. You had commented that Japan will advance measures in a timely manner, taking into account the interim report and other factors. Now that the interim report has been submitted, please tell us what specific terms and conditions will be necessary for Japan to resume its funding.

Furthermore, I believe you are scheduled to meet with Secretary-General Guterres this week. If there is any timeline for the resumption of funding, I would appreciate it if you can share that as well.

Minister Kamikawa: The interim report of the Independent Review Group has not been made public. We understand the report has found that UNRWA has in place a significant number of mechanisms and procedures to ensure neutrality, and at the same time, identified critical areas that need to be addressed further by UNRWA.

Japan is a donor. We have vigorously continued to communicate with the relevant parties regarding the measures necessary for Japan to resume funding, including measures that should be taken by UNRWA toward strengthening and maintaining governance.

As part of this, arrangements are being made to hold a meeting with UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini who will be visiting Japan this week. We hope to receive a detailed explanation of UNRWA’s efforts to strengthen its governance in response to the allegations, and the direction of its measures, among other matters.

Japan then intends to consider in a timely manner its response.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: The foreign ministry’s travel safety division has issued a warning advising Japanese travelers to be on alert against possible terrorist attacks in Arab and Muslim countries during the month of Ramadan and especially near Friday’s prayers in the month.
Some people and tourism industry officials in the region expressed concern about such warnings and alerts that give negative impact and negative view on their countries and the safety there and many Japanese stop travelling to the area.
Do you have any plans to change this policy that indirectly connects Islam with terrorism?

Minister Kamikawa: In the past, Islamic extremist groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) have called for intensifying operations during the Ramadan period, posing a heightened risk of terrorism. Therefore, every year, MOFA has issued alerts before the Ramadan period to Japanese citizens traveling or staying overseas, and issued region-wide safety information on February 29 of this year.

Additionally, on March 22, local time, a terrorist attack occurred at a commercial facility in the outskirts of Moscow, which resulted in a large number of casualties. ISIL issued a statement claiming responsibility for the incident. Therefore, we reiterated our alert through issuing region-wide safety information.

Region-wide safety information serves to alert Japanese citizens about the possibility of some Islamic extremists escalating their activities by taking advantage of the Ramadan period, and to encourage Japanese citizens to take appropriate safety precautions. They are not intended to link Islam with terrorism.

We issue alerts not only before Ramadan but also before Christmas, the New Year’s holidays, vacation season, and large-scale events, as these are times when people gather in large numbers more often and there is a greater likelihood for people to become a target of terrorism.

I hope that this will be understood correctly.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I have a question on the “pandemic treaty” of the World Health Organization (WHO) and revision of the IHR. At a meeting of the Third Working Group of the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives on February 27, you responded to the following effect regarding the WHO’s pandemic treaty and revision of the IHR: “We will not seek the Diet’s approval on a case-by-case basis. Japan will be accepting their binding force without signing them.” If there is no Diet deliberation or approval, how can we, sovereign citizens of the nation, express our will? Is such an approach not disregarding the sovereign citizens? Please tell us your opinion.

Minister Kamikawa: My response you just cited was about the revision of the IHR. The WHO Constitution, which was approved by the Diet in 1951, stipulates that regulations adopted by the World Health Assembly, comprised of member states, come into force for all members, based on the view that it is desirable for as many member states as possible to implement the adopted regulations simultaneously in order to prevent the international spread of disease. The IHR is one such regulation. I was stating that the Diet’s approval has been obtained for the signing of the WHO Constitution, including the use of the procedures I just mentioned.

As for a “pandemic accord,” the discussions are now ongoing. As the content, the specific format of the document, and other details have not been decided, I am unable to answer at this time based on speculation, including whether Japan will sign it. If we were to sign it, we intend to take appropriate measures considering its content and the specific format of the document.

We are aware that there are various opinions on the creation of a pandemic treaty and the revision of the IHR. As I have explained, the understanding and support of the people are essential for diplomacy. I will continue to endeavor to provide detailed and accurate information as much as possible.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to move away from diplomacy topics and ask a question concerning a public opinion survey. In a survey conducted by the Yomiuri Shimbun last weekend on suitable politicians for the next LDP President, you were ranked third with 9% of the respondents giving your name. Your percentage increases every time this survey is conducted. You have repeatedly stated that you will be unwaveringly dedicating yourself to performing your duties as Foreign Minister. What are your thoughts on the expectations that the people place on you, and how do you intend to respond to them?

Minister Kamikawa: Ever since I was elected for the first time in 2000, I have been dedicating myself to fulfilling my responsibilities as a politician based on my own beliefs and convictions. And now, my job is to support Prime Minister Kishida with all my strength as a member of the Cabinet.

Diplomacy, which I am currently wholeheartedly dedicated to, is in fact closely intertwined with present domestic affairs. I believe that the stability of Japan’s domestic affairs will also be a vital element of diplomacy.

I am carrying out the duties assigned to me as Foreign Minister with unwavering dedication, in order to pass on to future generations Japan that has great and bright potential and is respected and needed by the world.

I deeply appreciate the expectations placed upon me. To be someone whom the people place expectations upon, and to perform work that is expected, are implied by my commitment to unwavering dedication.

Mainichi Shimbun, Murao: On this topic of domestic affairs, yesterday, former LDP Secretary-General Nikai announced that he will not run in the next House of Representatives election to take responsibility for the undeclared funds issue. Attention is now focused on the punishment or resignation of former senior members of the Abe faction. What is your view on the response sought over such issues?

Minister Kamikawa: The Government perceives that Mr. NIKAI Toshihiro made this announcement based on his own judgment and would like to refrain from making comments.

On the political funds issue, as Prime Minister Kishida stated, we need to advance reforms that make politicians likewise accountable. Furthermore, the LDP must change in order to regain the trust of the people.

It is difficult to separate domestic affairs and diplomacy. The international situation is constantly changing significantly, and it will not wait for Japan either. With a sense of urgency, I remain committed to carrying out and will pursue diplomacy that is understood and supported by the people.