Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I have an announcement at the outset.

H.E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the 79th session of the UNGA, will visit Japan from January 30 to February 4 by ministerial invitation.

During his visit, Mr. Yang will hold a meeting with me and pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Ishiba.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations (UN). The UNGA’s role is becoming more important than ever as divisions and confrontations worsen, and with the UN Security Council unable to fully fulfill its expected role. To lead the international community toward reconciliation and cooperation, I hope to have an extensive discussion with the President on issues that Japan and the UN should address together, including peace and stability and sustainable development.

That is all from me at the outset.

Chugoku Shimbun, Miyano: I would like to ask about the consideration of Japan’s participation as an observer in the third Meeting of States Parties to the TPNW in March. The Government had said that it would review the cases of Germany and Australia. Could you tell us specifically what kind of analysis of these cases is under way?

Minister Iwaya: Japan’s response to the TPNW you raised is still being reviewed, taking various factors into consideration. For this review, we are currently continuing to comprehensively and carefully examine various factors, including the circumstances that led to past observer states’ participation, factual details including the statements they made at the Meetings of States Parties, and the observer states’ policies, such as approaches to security and nuclear disarmament. Accordingly, we have not yet reached a conclusion.

Mainichi Shimbun, Kim: I would like to ask about visa relaxation measures for Chinese citizens. At this morning’s meeting of the Foreign Affairs Division of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan, members reacted to your recent comment that “there is a misunderstanding,” saying that “it is not a misunderstanding.” Some also called for your attendance at the Division’s meetings. Please tell us what you intend to explain and do to obtain the understanding of such ruling party members. In addition, is there no change to the Government’s plan to implement, as soon as they are prepared, the relaxation measures? These are my two questions.

Minister Iwaya: The decision was made to implement visa relaxation measures, which this time are specifically aimed at Chinese tourists, and I am aware that various opinions and concerns have been raised. As I mentioned during last week’s press conference, the Government will continue providing thorough explanations, including how the measures will be implemented. Therefore, the measures will be carried out as scheduled.

TV Asahi, Iida: I have a question related to Fuji TV. The Cabinet Public Affairs Office has inquired ministries and agencies to find out if Fuji TV is involved in any of their publicity and public awareness activities. What was the response of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)? Please share with us how you will be handling them if there are any activities in progress.

Minister Iwaya: I understand that, in response to the inquiry from the Cabinet Public Affairs Office, MOFA is currently proceeding with an investigation on publicity and public awareness activities involving Fuji TV. MOFA will take appropriate responses based on the findings of the investigation. I am not yet aware of how the Cabinet as a whole will be addressing this matter.