Press Conferences

I have just completed the three-day schedule at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Also today, the situation on the ground is changing. Therefore, G7 members communicated with a sense of vigilance on various challenges facing the international community, including the situation in the Middle East, which grows increasingly tense, and the situation in Ukraine, which is prolonged and severe.

First, I would like touch upon the situation in the Middle East. Japan is deeply concerned about the current situation in the Middle East, and strongly condemns any action that leads to escalation of the situation. The G7 foreign ministers spent half of yesterday thoroughly discussing the issues. We also discussed today in response to reports that Israel conducted attacks against Iran.

At this time, I refrain from making a definitive assessment of today’s incident. I myself was briefed on the situation early this morning. At today’s meetings, we concurred in sharing current information among the G7 and to make all necessary diplomatic efforts, including reaching out to Israel and Iran, in order to prevent the further deterioration and escalation of the situation. We also concurred that, to that end, the G7 will continue to work closely together.

We also spent plenty of time discussing the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine, including Gaza. The G7 confirmed that there should be no military operations in Rafah, that we urge the immediate release of hostages and a sustainable ceasefire that would enable a significant increase in humanitarian assistance, and that we are committed to a two-state solution. We also concurred that we will work closely together on the situation.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, with the strong concerns that “Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow,” I underscored that Japan will never waver in its position of standing with Ukraine. In line with the G7 unity promoted under Japan’s presidency, we reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to support for Ukraine, which has been in a prolonged severe situation, and confirmed that we will translate the outcomes of the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction into the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin this June.

This morning, we discussed the Indo-Pacific. I welcome that the Indo-Pacific, which Japan focused on during its presidency, has been set as one of G7’s priorities this year as well. From the viewpoint that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable, we discussed issues including maritime security, and concurred in our further cooperation among G7 members and the importance of working together with our partners in the region.

Since last year, cooperation with non-G7 partners has been one of the G7’s priorities, so we invited Foreign Minister Merzoug of Mauritania, who is the Chair of the Executive Council of African Union (AU), and discussed cooperation with Africa. I believe we were able to deepen our discussion on how the G7 can continue leading the world toward cooperation rather than division and confrontation.

We had a very fruitful three days with thorough discussions on various challenges of the international community. I gained many insights from candid conversations with other foreign ministers, not only during the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, but also during bilateral meetings, coffee breaks, and in the hallways moving between sessions. I also felt that we deepened our mutual relationships and that we will be able to work together to address various issues. I would like to coordinate with the G7, while drawing on these discussions in Japan’s future action.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the situation in the Middle East, which you mentioned at the outset. Some U.S. media outlets report that U.S. government officials said Israel has fired missiles in retaliation for Iran’s massive attack on Israel. You called for restraint from both Israel and Iran at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Please tell us your reaction and how Japan will respond in the future.

Minister Kamikawa: As I stated earlier, Japan is deeply concerned about the current situation in the Middle East, and strongly condemns any action that leads to escalation of the situation.

With regard to today’s incident, at this time, I refrain from making a definitive assessment. At today’s meetings, we concurred in sharing current information among the G7 and to make every diplomatic effort, including reaching out to Israel and Iran, in order to prevent the further deterioration and escalation of the situation. We also concurred that, to that end, the G7 will continue to work closely together.

Furthermore, Japan has acted swiftly following the incident to alert Japanese nationals residing there and confirm their safety. We have yet to receive any information that any Japanese nationals have lost lives or been injured. Nevertheless, Japan will take all possible measures to protect Japanese nationals abroad.

Reporter: I have a follow-up question about the situation in the Middle East. You have reiterated Japan’s position, calling for restraint from both Iran and Israel. Please share with us Japan’s stance on the sanctions mentioned by the U.S. and European countries, and whether you think the G7 could align its members on this. In addition, on stability in the Indo-Pacific region, has Japan received pledges of cooperation from any other G7 members? Additionally, do you think unity among G7 members on the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait was solidified this time?

Minister Kamikawa: Firstly, on the question about the situation in the Middle East, Japan strongly condemns any action that leads to escalation of the situation. That being said, I would like to refrain from speculating in answering about Japan’s response in the future. It is important that we make every effort to prevent the further deterioration of the situation, and that the G7 is in alignment on this point. Japan will continue to closely cooperate with countries, including the G7, and make all necessary diplomatic efforts.

Regarding the question about the Indo-Pacific, the G7 reaffirmed the need to maintain a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The G7 also reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We intend to continue to work toward the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific in cooperation with partners in the region, while further coordinating among G7 members.

Reporter:Japan is the only G7 member state in Asia. How did you lead the discussions at the Indo-Pacific session? I would like to ask about your impressions on what Japan contributed to discussions and outcomes, including whether you shared concerns surrounding China and North Korea. In addition, China has been trying to move closer to European countries, for example, by inviting and welcoming Chancellor of Germany Scholz to China. Please tell us your view on these developments.

Minister Kamikawa: Firstly, having held the previous G7 presidency, Japan is very grateful that, continuing since last year, the Indo-Pacific has been set as one of the priorities and has been considered very important. Today, even as the situation in the Middle East grows increasingly tense, I led discussions on various issues in the Indo-Pacific region and was able to exchange views thoroughly.

In this context, the G7 reaffirmed our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law, and concurred to further cooperation and to work together with our partners in the region from the viewpoint that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable.

On China, the G7 reaffirmed its opposition to attempts to change the status quo by force, as well as the need for frank engagement and direct dialogue with China on our concerns, while at the same time concurring that we are ready to cooperate with China in areas of common interest.

On Chancellor of Germany Scholz’s visit to China, Japan would like to refrain from commenting. In any case, as I mentioned earlier, G7 reaffirmed its position on China at today’s Indo-Pacific session. Furthermore, today, I held a meeting with Foreign Minister of Germany Baerbock. We concurred on continue to work closely between the two countries.

Regarding North Korea, I stated that Japan is seriously concerned about North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities and that it is necessary for the G7 and other like-minded countries to work together more closely than ever before to show our resolved position, and the G7 members concurred to further cooperation. I also expressed my appreciation for the consistent understanding and cooperation from the G7 members toward the immediate resolution of the abduction issue. We intend to continue making efforts and working together with the G7.

Reporter: I have a question about China. In the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting Communiqué that was just announced, China is described as “a key interlocutor in addressing global challenges.” This overlaps somewhat on what you just said. What kind of involvement does the G7 expect from China in addressing global challenges?

Minister Kamikawa: At the Japan-China Summit Meeting last November, the two leaders confirmed a broad direction of building “constructive and stable Japan-China relations,” while comprehensively promoting a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests.” The intention is to promote cooperation in various areas, including global challenges, from a broad perspective, while addressing various challenges that arise from being neighboring countries.

Based on previous exchanges between Prime Minister Kishida and President Xi Jinping, I exchanged views on global challenges while keeping our position on concerns firmly in mind at the Japan-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi last November. We also agreed to strengthen communications between the two countries on issues such as climate change and global health, including infectious diseases.

As leading powers in the region and in the entire international community, Japan and China bear a responsibility to contribute to peace and stability in the world. Japan will continue to engage in dialogue with China on global challenges and request responsible actions, while promoting cooperation in areas where it is possible.