Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: At the outset, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to those affected by the earthquake off the coast of Ishikawa Prefecture. We just concluded all scheduled sessions of the two-day G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. This was my first time attending a G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

Through the meeting, Japan reaffirmed with the G7 members the importance of the G7, with shared values and principles, continuing to work together closely and strengthening their cooperation, as the current international community faces deepening division and confrontation. In addition, Japan also shared with the G7 members the view to collaborate closely with many countries all over the world and uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

First, on the situation in the Middle East, the G7 and the Arab countries discussed for over three hours. We held in-depth discussions on the issues surrounding the Middle East, including diplomatic efforts to restore stability in the region, the response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, moves related to a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and support for the future reconstruction of Gaza. In addition, we concurred to continue to work with countries to rapidly increase humanitarian assistance, an urgent issue, and to call on all parties to show restraint.

Next, regarding the situation in Ukraine, we shared our serious concern about the deployment of North Korea’s troops to Russia and their engagement in combat, and Russia’s medium-range ballistic missile launch. Amidst the escalating combat, the G7 concurred to continue working together to provide strong support for Ukraine. I shared details of my recent visit to Ukraine and explained Japan’s efforts, including winterization assistance and support for the energy sector.

Regarding the Indo-Pacific, we shared our serious concern about the situation in the East and South China Sea, North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues, and Russia-North Korea cooperation. Especially, as four countries from the Indo-Pacific region were invited to the meeting, I emphasized the importance of cooperating to uphold the “free and open international order based on the Rule of Law,” and we concurred that the G7 and relevant countries will continue to work together to address the issue. Moreover, I asked anew for understanding and cooperation from the other G7 countries for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and gained their support.

The G7 members also held discussions on countries experiencing political instability in Africa as well as Latin America and the Caribbean and reached a shared view.

On the margins of this meeting which brought together the foreign ministers of the G7 members and invited countries, I held bilateral meetings with the foreign ministers of Canada, which will assume the G7 Presidency next year, as well as the UK, France, India, and the Philippines. Furthermore, before the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, I signed the Japan-Italy Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) in Rome. I expect that it will contribute to further deepening Japan-Italy relations, including security relations.

During this visit, I was able to thoroughly discuss in person with the foreign ministers of the G7 members and invited countries the wide range of issues facing the international community. The G7 members could affirm its strong unity and strengthen cooperation with partners in the international community as well. I was also able to build personal relationships of trust with the respective foreign ministers, which was a valuable asset for me. Building on these discussions, I will continue to carry out vigorous Japanese diplomacy.

Reporter: Today, you briefly exchanged words with Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul of the Republic of Korea (ROK). The ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the two ministers concurred to continue the positive momentum in bilateral relations, while ensuring that the issues surrounding the memorial ceremony of the Sado Island Gold Mines do not affect the development of the relationship. Can you tell us what the two of you discussed and what points you concurred upon?

Minister Iwaya: This morning, I had an opportunity to have brief informal talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul of the ROK at the venue of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. We concurred that, while there are challenging issues between Japan and the ROK, we would ensure that the issues surrounding the memorial ceremony of the Sado Island Gold Mines do not affect the bilateral relationship, and confirmed that we would continue to maintain close communication at various levels.

Reporter: I would like to ask about G7 unity. I believe you just stated that the G7 members confirmed the importance of continuing to work together and strengthening their cooperation, and that you held a meeting with Canada, the G7 Presidency next year, and confirmed to continue to strengthen G7 unity. Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Trump, who is critical of multilateral competition, will assume office next year. How does the Government of Japan intend to strengthen G7 unity?

Minister Iwaya: I would like to refrain from speculating on the policies President-elect Trump will adopt after he assumes office. Throughout the discussions at the meeting and during my meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Joly of Canada, which will serve as the G7 Presidency for the next Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, it was confirmed that the unity of the G7, with shared values and principles, will remain important, and that maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order based on the rule of law is essential. Japan will continue to firmly maintain and strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance and work together with G7 partners to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Reporter: As you referred to in your opening remarks about the DPRK, I believe the response to the DPRK, which has deployed troops to Russia for its continued invasion of Ukraine, was on the agenda of this meeting. Did the G7 members reach a consensus or achieve any outcomes on sanctions or other measures against the DPRK? How does the Government of Japan view the need for further strengthening the sanctions? Regarding China, numerous concerns have been raised about its opaque military expansion and economic security. While there may be slight differences in the G7 members’ distance with China, how do you assess the outcomes or points of consensus from the meeting as well as the challenges for next year?

Minister Iwaya: At this meeting, extensive discussions took place on Russia-the DPRK relations, and we shared serious concerns about the deployment of the DPRK’s troops to Russia and their use on the battlefield against Ukraine, i.e., their participation in combat. Regarding potential new sanctions, the G7 concurred to work together in responding to the situation.

Regarding China, as we seek constructive and stable relations with China, the G7 concurred on the importance of direct and candid dialogue to express concerns directly and manage differences. We also concurred on our readiness to cooperate with China to address global challenges. The G7 members will continue to maintain close communication and address issues related to Russia-the DPRK cooperation, as well as challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including those related to China.

Reporter: The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant of Israel and for Hamas military commander Deif. As an ICC member, Japan will be obligated to detain them. Was there any discussion at the G7 meeting about how to respond to this? Were there any points the ministers concurred upon? Additionally, please share with us how the Government of Japan intends to respond to this matter.

Minister Iwaya: During the G7 discussions, particularly in the Middle East session, we held candid discussions on a wide range of issues, including the matter you mentioned. Regarding the situation in Palestine, generally speaking, we reaffirmed our commitment to fully comply with our obligations under international law in all circumstances, including international humanitarian law. Japan has respected the independence of the ICC and will continue to closely follow the progress of the investigation with great interest, including its impact on the situation in Palestine.