Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: I have an announcement at the outset.

Last night, Japan time, the Statement by the Foreign Ministers of the G7, Australia, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand, expressing its grave concerns as like-minded countries on the deployment of North Korea troops to Russia, was issued.

The Statement points out that North Korea’s direct support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine would mark serious consequences for European and Indo-Pacific peace and security. In addition, it condemns in the strongest terms the increasing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.

Japan will continue to work closely with the G7 and 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.

That is all from me.

NHK, Tanii: I would like to ask about the U.S. Presidential Election. Mr. Trump is projected to win the election in states including North Carolina and Georgia, which have been said to be swing states, and some media outlets report that it is increasing the chance of Mr. Trump’s win.
Please share with us the view of the Government on the counting status.

Press Secretary Kitamura: On the U.S. Presidential Election, we are aware of the counting process is still ongoing, as you are referring to. The Government, as the Chief Cabinet Secretary and the Foreign Minister have repeatedly mentioned, is closely following with great interest in the relevant developments, including the progress and the future impact. However, as this concerns the internal affairs of another country, I would like to refrain from commenting.