Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I do not have any opening announcements in particular. Today, Prime Minister Ishiba delivered a policy speech to a plenary session of the House of Representatives and House of Councillors.

A considerable portion was dedicated to diplomacy. Prime Minister Ishiba expressed an intention to enhance Japan’s diplomatic achievements based on the outcomes to date, further strengthen relations with our ally and like-minded countries, as well as build “constructive and stable Japan-China relations” and also work closely with the Global South. I have a renewed resolve to conduct diplomacy steadfastly in line with the Prime Minister’s instructions.

With these opening remarks, I would like to take your questions. Thank you.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about strengthening deterrence capabilities. Minister of Defense Nakatani stated at his inaugural press conference that he was instructed by Prime Minister Ishiba to consider ways to strengthen the foundation for deterrence capabilities, including development of security legislation. Did you receive similar instructions? In addition, could you tell us again about your view on the need to further strengthen deterrence capabilities in the current severe international situation, including developing such legislation?

Minister Iwaya: I have been instructed by Prime Minister Ishiba to build on Japan’s diplomatic achievements to date, and to further develop and enhance them, as I referred to in my opening remarks.

As for the need to further strengthen deterrence capabilities, the free and open international order based on the rule of law is currently facing serious challenges. Notably, Japan is surrounded by countries with strong military capabilities. This is also coupled with North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues. We also perceive that China’s military capabilities are lacking in transparency in some aspects.

Japan is facing the most severe security environment since the end of World War II. Under such circumstances, we believe the Government has an important responsibility to firmly protect Japan’s territory, territorial waters, airspace, regional peace and stability, and the lives and property of our citizens.

Building on past security measures, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will steadily implement strategic approaches to make even slight improvements to the security environment surrounding Japan, including further deepening and strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, making further efforts to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” enhancing collaboration with like-minded countries, and conducting diplomacy with neighboring countries.

Sankei Shimbun, Harakawa: My question is about the situation in the Middle East. On October 7, it will be exactly one year since Hamas launched a terror attack against Israel. I am aware that the Government of Japan made various diplomatic efforts for peace and stability in the Middle East over this past year. However, they have not resulted in a ceasefire. Rather, the conflict has spread, and the situation is deteriorating and becoming increasingly complex. With this in mind, I would like to ask what you think about the fact that the situation has deteriorated despite the diplomatic efforts to date. Additionally, what efforts will you yourself be making toward peace and stability in the Middle East? Could you share your thoughts, especially on what Japan can do and what Japan is uniquely positioned to do? Thank you.

Minister Iwaya: As you indicated, October 7 of next week will mark exactly one year since the attack by Hamas against Israel.

On this occasion, I renew my sincere condolences to those who lost their lives. It is especially women and children who are often affected in such circumstances. I extend my deepest sympathy to the bereaved families.

The fighting is becoming extremely protracted. In addition, we are aware of the ongoing critical humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The security of both Israeli and Palestinian citizens is still under constant threat.

Japan has consistently and unequivocally condemned the terror attacks by Hamas and others, and has urged the immediate release of those who are still held hostage.

Furthermore, Japan will continue to urge all the parties, including Israel, to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law, and will work toward the realization of a ceasefire as soon as possible.

The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been vigorously working to achieve an agreement of negotiations over the release of the hostages and a ceasefire, and Japan supports these mediation efforts.

Japan will continue to engage in diplomatic efforts, based on its relations with the countries in the region and as a member of the G7 and of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and in close coordination with other countries, toward calming the situation as soon as possible, realizing a two-state solution, and establishing a medium to long-term peace and stability in the region.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: I have a follow-up question on the situation in the Middle East. It is another general question. Over the past year, Japan has aimed to strike its own balance between the Arab countries and Israel. Meanwhile, however, Japan has aligned with Europe and North America on some aspects, and some are describing it as a “double standard.” What is your view on this? That is my first question. A related question is that Japan has also taken actions independent from the G7 on a series of UN resolutions. Could you explain the background or process behind the decision not to take responses in alignment with the G7?

Minister Iwaya: Regarding the situation in Gaza, as I stated earlier, Japan has consistently maintained the position that all parties should comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. We have been strenuously urging parties, including Israel, at various levels. Therefore, I believe your reference to a “double standard” does not apply.

As for the discussions at the UN, including the Security Council, which you mentioned, Japan supports a “two-state solution” through negotiations between the parties. We intend to conduct diplomatic efforts proactively and persistently from the perspective of what is a realistic approach for improving the current situation. Please understand that our actions have been taken based on this consistent position.

We intend to continue to leverage Japan’s unique position most effectively, which our diplomacy has established in the Middle East, and contribute to advancing the peace process.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I also have a question on the situation in the Middle East. Iran fired ballistic missiles into Israel on October 1. Iran explains that this was retaliation for the killing of Nasrallah, the leader of the pro-Iranian militia group Hezbollah, in Lebanon. Do you think Japanese nationals will need to be evacuated from Iran? Please explain MOFA’s assessment of the current situation, including requesting the Ministry of Defense for transportation.

Minister Iwaya: Currently, a Level 3 “Avoid all travel” or Level 4 “Evacuate and avoid all travel” has been issued for Iran, and we are urging Japanese nationals to leave the country as soon as possible while regular commercial flights are still operating.

In addition, immediately after this large-scale attack by Iran against Israel on October 1, the Embassy of Japan in Iran and MOFA warned Japanese nationals residing there to watch out for their safety with heightened caution.

At this time, nothing has been decided regarding the dispatch of Self-Defense Force (SDF) aircraft or other such measures. However, on the evacuation of Japanese nationals, we will take all possible measures to be prepared to respond to any situation.

AFP, Hasegawa: I have a question concerning whaling issues. Paul Watson, the founder of the anti-whaling organization Sea Shepherd, was detained in the Danish territory of Greenland in July, and his detention period is set to expire on October 23. The Government of Japan is requesting his extradition. However, there appears to be strong support for Watson, mainly in the anti-whaling nations in Europe and North America. Considering such aspects, is there any concern that Japan’s request for extradition could have diplomatic repercussions for Japan or negatively affect Japan’s reputation? Why does Japan seek extradition and wish to conduct judicial proceedings domestically in the first place? Furthermore, please share, to the extent that you can, the specific discussions you are currently having with the Government of Denmark.

Minister Iwaya: As you are probably aware, an arrest warrant was issued for Paul Watson, whom you just referred to, for being an accomplice in the incident that occurred in February 2010, where an activist from the anti-whaling organization Sea Shepherd injured a crew member of a Japanese research whaling vessel and destroyed property, and he was internationally wanted by INTERPOL.

In response, on July 21, police in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, detained Paul Watson based on the international warrant issued by INTERPOL. Therefore, Japan is currently requesting the Government of Denmark for his extradition.

We consider this not so much a whaling issue as an issue of maritime law enforcement. As long as an incident of this nature has occurred and an arrest warrant has been issued, we intend to appropriately make the necessary representations to the Danish authorities. However, I would like to refrain from responding about our specific diplomatic communication with the Danish authorities.

AP, Ono: I would like to return to the subject of the Middle East. I understand that Japanese nationals in Lebanon are currently being evacuated. What is the planned scale of the evacuation and timeline? Additionally, please tell us about what kind of support is being considered for Japanese nationals who wish to remain in the country.

Minister Iwaya: Currently, a Level 4 “Evacuate and avoid all travel” has been issued for all of Lebanon. We are repeatedly urging Japanese nationals to leave the country as early as possible.

On October 3, in response to the rapid deterioration of the situation, the Government of Japan arranged for the evacuation of two Japanese nationals, one of whom is a support personnel of the embassy, in other words, one Japanese resident accompanied by the embassy personnel, from Beirut to Cyprus by a chartered ship.

Furthermore, on September 27, the former Foreign Minister requested the former Defense Minister to begin preparations for the transportation of Japanese nationals by SDF aircraft, and the aircraft arrived in Jordan early on the morning of October 4, Japan time.

I held a telephone talk last night with Minister of Foreign Affairs Safadi of Jordan, during which I asked for support for the operation of Japan’s SDF aircraft, and Minister Safadi responded that Jordan will take all possible measures.

As for the prospects of transporting Japanese nationals and others by SDF aircraft, I would like to refrain from responding as they concern the operation of SDF aircraft and could have an impact on ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals. Regarding their evacuation, we will continue to make all possible preparations and execute measures to be able to respond to any situation.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: If I may ask another question, it is about an entirely different topic. I would like to ask a question about the abductions issue by North Korea. There were some reports this morning that Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed to the Association of the Families of Victims Kidnapped by North Korea that the establishment of liaison offices in Tokyo and Pyongyang would be considered. Could you share with us the facts MOFA knows about this and your thoughts as Foreign Minister?

Minister Iwaya: I am not aware of the details of the reports. However, I am aware that Prime Minister Ishiba phoned members of the Association. My understanding is that the details of their conversation shall not be commented on publicly.

In any case, the families of the abductees have advanced in age, and this is a time sensitive issue. It is an issue with no time to spare.

The Government and MOFA will continue to take every possible action to realize the return of all abductees at the earliest possible date.