Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I held a telephone talk with Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul of the Republic of Korea (ROK) a while ago.

Minister Cho explained the current situation in the ROK, including the developments after the declaration of martial law. Given that the Minister was asked to give an explanation at the National Assembly today, I would like to refrain from mentioning here what the Minister stated. I conveyed that even in these circumstances I would welcome communication between us. There is no change that the ROK is an important neighboring country that Japan should work together as a partner on various challenges facing the international community. I conveyed this to the minister once again. In addition, Minister Cho and I concurred that in light of the current strategic environment, the importance of Japan-ROK relations remains unchanged in any situation.

Moreover, we reconfirmed the importance of securing close coordination among Japan, the ROK, and the U.S., bilaterally and trilaterally, on North Korea, despite complicating situations. As we already announced, the Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Meeting at the working level on North Korea was held on the day before yesterday. We intend to continue close communication.

The political situation in the ROK is extremely fluid, and the situation is ever-changing. I believe what is important is to maintain close communication between the Governments of Japan and the ROK, including from the perspective of regional peace and stability. Japan will continue to make efforts based on this approach.

Reporter: In response to the turmoil caused by martial law, some reports have suggested that Prime Minister Ishiba postponed a visit to the ROK originally scheduled for the beginning of the new year. During today’s telephone talk, was the Prime Minister’s visit to the ROK discussed again?

Minister Iwaya: Partially due to the severe Diet situation, various arrangements were attempted. However, nothing had been finalized. There was no discussion on this matter today.

Reporter: As the political turmoil in the ROK continues, what did the two of you discuss today on maintaining bilateral coordination and trilateral coordination with the U.S.?

Minister Iwaya: As I stated earlier, the situation in the ROK is extremely fluid and ever-changing. I conveyed my hope that Minister Cho will thoroughly fulfill his duties even in a difficult time, and my keenness to continue close communication occasionally. At this stage, I cannot say with certainty how the events will actually unfold. Nonetheless, next year is an important year marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the ROK, and we intend to steadily maintain close coordination between the two countries even in these challenging circumstances.

Reporter: Recently, Secretary of State Blinken of the U.S. expressed deep concerns to Minister Cho. What views did you convey about martial law during your call with Minister Cho?

Minister Iwaya: I believe the call with Secretary Blinken took place shortly after martial law was declared. There have been significant developments since then. I conveyed that we have confidence in the democratic resilience of the ROK.

Reporter: You mentioned that the two of you reaffirmed the importance of coordination among Japan, the ROK, and the U.S., bilaterally and trilaterally, on the DPRK. I imagine that various issues were taken into account, including the nuclear and missile issues and Russia-the DPRK cooperation. Was any issue raised in today’s discussion?

Minister Iwaya: No, we did not discuss any specific matters of concern. The international situation on the whole is shaky, and there was also the recent incident in the ROK. I stated that, especially in these times, it was important to clearly demonstrate domestically and internationally that Japan-ROK relations are stable and that Japan, the U.S., and the ROK are coordinating closely. The two sides agreed on or confirmed this point.

Reporter: In relation to martial law, the police may conduct investigations at the presidential office and so forth.

Was any explanation provided about these matters today? What are your thoughts on this situation?

Minister Iwaya: I have come across various reports. However, an explanation was not provided on such specifics. I assume Minister Cho himself is not in a position to speculate how the situation will unfold. I conveyed my keenness to continue close communication between Japan and the ROK even amid this situation.

Reporter: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs just announced that a Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Indo-Pacific Dialogue was held today. Even in this situation, bilateral and trilateral working-level coordination has continued without any problems. Is my understanding correct?

Minister Iwaya: Yes, we have continued to coordinate closely.