Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have some announcements at the outset.

About two weeks have passed since my previous press conference. During that time, I engaged in diplomacy in line with the three pillars I mentioned upon assuming office as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

For the first pillar, deepening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, I received a courtesy call by U.S. senators yesterday. In addition, I exchanged views with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Campbell, Commander Paparo of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and Commander Jost of the U.S. Forces Japan last week.

For the second pillar, the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” I held telephone talks with the foreign ministers of ASEAN Member States, including Viet Nam, the Philippines, and Cambodia. For the third pillar, collaboration with the Global South, I intend to strengthen relations with ASEAN Member States. Going forward, I will continue to hold as many telephone talks as possible.

Furthermore, in light of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon, the Government of Japan decided on October 21 to extend Emergency Grant of USD 10 million.

The situations in the Middle East, including Gaza, and Ukraine continue to be very tense. I held telephone talks with the foreign ministers of Germany, France, the UK, and the European Union (EU) from the G7, as well as Egypt, Iran, and Palestine from the Middle East, and conveyed the position and views of Japan. Yesterday, I held a candid discussion with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Mustafa of Palestine. I intend to continue to advance diplomacy to move the world toward reconciliation and cooperation.

That is all from me at the outset.

Kyodo News, Nishiyama: I would like to ask about the situation regarding North Korea. On October 23, U.S. Secretary of Defense Austin stated there is evidence that troops deployed by North Korea are in Russia to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Please share with us the view of the Government of Japan, and what responses it will be taking.

Minister Iwaya: With regard to the remarks by Secretary Austin that you noted, the Government of Japan is also paying close attention to the situation with great concern, including the possibility of the North Korean troops deployed to Russia becoming complicit in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

As a result of gathering and analyzing relevant information in cooperation with the U.S. and the Republic of Korea (ROK), we, too, have confirmed reliable information that suggests North Korea has deployed troops to eastern Russia and they are engaging in military training.

For starters, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundations of the international order. We are seriously concerned about the recent moves to advance Russia-North Korea military cooperation, including this matter, which not only leads to further deterioration of the situation in Ukraine but also affects the security of the region surrounding Japan.

We will continue to gather and analyze relevant information, along with working closely with the international community to ensure the full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine as soon as possible.

Nikkei Shimbun, Baba: I would like to ask about a Japan-U.S.-ROK senior officials’ meeting. It is reported that National Security Advisor Akiba is scheduled to attend a meeting with the National Security Advisors of the U.S. and ROK in Washington, today, October 25. Could you share the facts with us? Please also share with us the significance of holding the meeting before the U.S. presidential election.

Minister Iwaya: Regarding the Japan-U.S.-ROK senior officials’ meeting you just noted, I am aware that National Security Advisor Akiba is visiting the U.S. from October 24 to 26 and plans to hold a trilateral meeting with National Security Advisor Sullivan and National Security Advisor Shin Wonsik.

For more details, please direct your questions to the National Security Secretariat.

NHK, Yonezu: Please bear with me for bringing up matters of politics and the party. I have a question about the general election of the House of Representatives, considering that the stability of the administration has an impact on diplomacy, and that you are said to have played a large part in Mr. Ishiba’s rise to the prime ministership.

Regarding reports that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) provided 20 million yen to party branches led by candidates who were not officially endorsed by the party due to the politics and money issue, yesterday Prime Minister Ishiba expressed the view that money was not provided to unendorsed candidates, and that the money was provided to party branches to promote understanding of the LDP’s pledges and policies and will not be used for the election. Opposition parties have criticized that it is the same as officially endorsing a candidate. What is your view regarding this funding? How should the administration gain the understanding of voters in the House of Representatives election?

In addition, some reports suggest that it is uncertain whether the LDP and Komeito will be able to maintain a majority, which Prime Minister Ishiba identified as a benchmark of victory. What is your perception? Please also tell us what you intend to advocate to carry out focused diplomacy.

Minister Iwaya: Your question was about the LDP’s political activities, so I would like to refrain from commenting in my capacity as a government minister as much as possible. That being said, I, speaking as one of the LDP candidates, am aware that Prime Minister Ishiba, as LDP President, stated that funding was provided to party branches to promote the people’s understanding of the pledges and policies of the LDP and that funding was not provided to the candidates.

I, too, am one of the heads of party branches. I believe party branches need to conduct such activities, and I do not see any problems with the party providing allowances for them.

However, I do think that we need to continue providing thorough explanations to make this clearer.

On this election, it is a very tough situation for the ruling parties, for the LDP. We sincerely accept the harsh criticisms of the people. I would like to ask them for their confidence and to lend the Ishiba administration their support in moving its work forward.

Prime Minister Ishiba and his administration named five pillars that they will “uphold or protect.” He has vowed to safeguard Japan’s future, and “protect peace” is at the top of the list. I believe diplomacy has an extremely large role to play in this regard. I myself hope to gain the confidence of the people and dedicate myself to this work of preserving peace through the power of diplomacy.