Press Conferences

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

First, the landslide that occurred in the Province of Enga of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea has caused extensive damage. In response, we recently decided to provide emergency relief goods through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). In addition to this assistance, we intend to provide USD 2 million in emergency grant aid.

Japan attaches importance to assistance that incorporates the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) perspective. We plan to use this financial cooperation to provide assistance needed by those who have been forced to evacuate, including access to water and sanitation for women and children, who are particularly vulnerable.

The Government of Japan will swiftly provide this assistance. In addition, standing with the people of Papua New Guinea, we will proactively provide assistance necessary for improving the humanitarian situation in the damaged areas and for the areas to achieve recovery and reconstruction as soon as possible, while working in coordination with other countries and international organizations.

Minister Kamikawa: Second, today, I will hold a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and working dinner with H.E. Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates of the Kingdom of Morocco during his visit to Japan.

Japan and Morocco enjoy historically friendly relations based on the friendship of the Imperial and Royal families. Furthermore, Morocco, serving as a gateway to the African market by connecting Europe and Sub-Saharan countries, has potential in many fields, including business and investment.

Through Foreign Minister Bourita’s visit to Japan this time, we will further strengthen Japan-Morocco relations and further deepen its bilateral ties. Notably, Japanese companies have shown significant interest in Morocco as a base for expanding to the African region. I am looking forward to exploring avenues for strengthening economic relations between Japan and Morocco, which has been working to attract investment in recent years. Additionally, I hope to have candid discussions on issues including regional situations, such as the situation in the Middle East.

That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about China’s maritime law enforcement. According to foreign press reports, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs established new regulations this month that allow the China Coast Guard to detain foreign nationals who intrude into Chinese territorial waters for up to 60 days, and the regulations will enter into force on June 15. The Government of the Philippines seems to be opposing the regulations. The Government of China claims sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, and Japan’s territorial waters appear to be covered by the new regulations. Please tell us about what Japan knows about the new regulations, its opinion, and future actions.

Minister Kamikawa: I am aware of the announcement by China you are referring to. We have been monitoring with high concern the movements of China in maritime-related fields, including the details of the announcement.

The Government will continue to closely follow relevant developments to ensure that the enforcement of the regulations does not infringe upon the legitimate interests of the countries concerned, including Japan. We have also firmly communicated our intentions to China through diplomatic channels.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I would like to ask about the situation in North Korea. It has been reported that, since May 28, North Korea has been sending large balloons carrying bags filled with waste and trash to the ROK, and one of them landed on the rooftop of a building in which the Embassy of Japan in Seoul is located. Could you share the Government of Japan’s reaction and response to this issue?

Minister Kamikawa: We constantly strive to gather and analyze information with serious concern regarding North Korea’s moves.

However, I would like to refrain from commenting on its every relevant report. Generally speaking, it is critical that such acts do not heighten inter-Korean tensions and lead to the escalation of the situation.

In any case, Japan will continue to make all efforts to conduct necessary information gathering and analysis and to implement vigilance and surveillance activities. In addition, we will work closely with relevant countries to respond to North Korea.

NHK, Igarashi: I would like to ask about the situation in the Middle East. The Israeli military announced on May 29 that it has taken control of the entire area of the “Philadelphi Corridor,” the border area between Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and Egypt. Furthermore, a senior Israeli government official stated in an interview with local media that the fighting to destroy the governing and military capabilities of Hamas will continue for another seven months, indicating that the military operations in the Gaza Strip will be prolonged. Please explain the Government of Japan’s view and response to the situation.

Minister Kamikawa: Amid prolonged fighting, Japan is seriously concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza and about the numerous civilian casualties due to airstrikes and other attacks.

As I have stated, Japan is opposed to a full scale military operation in Rafah, where a large number of evacuees are concentrated. We call for an immediate ceasefire to ensure a sustainable environment for humanitarian assistance activities and the release of the hostages, and hope that this would lead to a sustainable ceasefire.

During my telephone talk with Minister of Foreign Affairs Katz of Israel on May 27, I conveyed these positions of Japan and urged that humanitarian assistance activities, including making use of the Rafah crossing, should not be impeded.

Above all, to realize the release of the hostages and a sustainable ceasefire, Japan will continue to persistently and proactively make diplomatic efforts in close coordination with countries concerned.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I would like to ask about the U.S. presidential election. In the case in which former President Trump is accused of falsifying business records to cover up a hush money payment for an affair, a New York State Supreme Court jury delivered a guilty verdict on May 30 on all 34 charges. This is the first time a former U.S. president has been convicted. How do you think this verdict will impact the presidential election? Please share with us your thoughts.

Minister Kamikawa: We are aware that the verdict you mentioned was given. However, we would like to refrain from commenting on matters related to the judicial procedures of another country.

In addition, the Government of Japan is not in a position to respond about the impact on the presidential election. We would also like to refrain from responding based on speculation.

In any case, we are closely following relevant developments and will continue to gather information.