Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: I have two announcements at the outset.

The first is about Algeria’s presidential election. Regarding the presidential election of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, held on September 7, local time, Japan congratulates Mr. Abdelmadjid TEBBOUNE the incumbent President, on his re-election.

Japan expects that Algeria will continue to play a constructive role for the peace and stability of the region. In addition, Japan intends to continue to further develop cooperation in a wide range of areas, building on long-standing friendly relations with Algeria.

Press Secretary Kitamura: The second is an early announcement on a Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) event.

On Thursday, February 13 of next year, we will hold an event for students called “Dialogue with Students: My Proposal” at MOFA.

This time, along with the “Dialogue with Students” program that has students discuss Japan’s foreign policy and international affairs with Foreign Ministry officials, we will add an International Issues Presentation Contest where students give presentations and proposals, and it will be held in an integrated manner.

Next week, we will start accepting applications for the presentation category. The theme is “Public Relations Strategies to Expand Support for Japan Amid Intensifying Geopolitical Competition.”

We look forward to policy proposals of great individuality based on flexible thinking of students who will lead Japan in the future. We encourage anyone to apply.

These two are all the announcements from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kudo: I would like to ask about Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. The U.S. has announced sanctions against Iran Air, claiming that Iran has provided short-range ballistic missiles to Russia, which is continuing its aggression against Ukraine. Following the U.S., the UK, Germany, and France have announced similar policies. I believe that Japan has individual and friendly relations with Iran, on this matter, does Japan, as a G7 member, intend to align with the other countries? Please tell us about what the Government is considering now, and how it will respond going forward.

Press Secretary Kitamura: We are aware of announcements by the Government of the U.S. and other countries that Iran has provided Russia with a number of short-range ballistic missiles, as you mentioned.

The Government of Japan has been monitoring its details, and the potential impacts to the situation in Ukraine and other areas with grave concern.

At this time, I would like to refrain from speculating on the future response you asked about. That being said, the Government of Japan will continue to impose severe sanctions on Russia and provide strong support to Ukraine, in close coordination with the international community, in order to stop Russia’s aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.