Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: At the outset, I would like to introduce an exhibition that will be held at the Diplomatic Archives.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will hold the “Japan and Bulgaria: A Journey of Friendship and Exchange” exhibition, co-hosted with the Embassy of Bulgaria in Japan, at the Diplomatic Archives Exhibition Room from March 6 to 29.

The friendship between Japan and Bulgaria is supported by a long history. In 2024, last year, we celebrated three significant anniversaries: the 115th anniversary of the commencement of exchanges between Japan and Bulgaria, the 85th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and the 65th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations.

This exhibition will feature valuable documents, including the original letter sent by Prince Alexander I of Bulgaria to Emperor Meiji in 1879, documents celebrating Bulgaria's independence, the original Japan-Bulgaria Treaty of Commerce and Navigation, and a commemorative album of the 1970 Osaka Expo. Additionally, numerous panels showcasing photographs representing the exchanges between Japan and Bulgaria, which were used in exhibitions held in Bulgaria, will be on display.

The exhibition is offering an opportunity to reflect on the history of exchanges and to expand your knowledge of the friendship between the two countries. We hope you will go visit it.

That is all from me.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Oyabu: I would like to ask about the G7 Leaders’ Video Conference on February 24, which marks three years since the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. At this point in time, no statement has been issued after the meeting. What is the current state of the coordination among the G7 members to finalize a statement? If a statement will not be issued, please confirm that that is the case.

Press Secretary Kitamura: We are still coordinating on the G7 leaders’ Statement.

As you know, currently, there are various developments in the international community concerning Ukraine. These include the adoption of a United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution, the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution, and reports that President Zelenskyy of Ukraine will visit the U.S. As the situation is constantly evolving, coordination is ongoing from the perspective of what kind of message would be appropriate for the G7 leaders to issue at what timing.

If I may take this opportunity to state Japan’s basic position, Japan believes it is important that the current diplomatic efforts concerning Ukraine by other countries, including the U.S. and Europe, should eventually lead to an end to the prolonged hostilities under the unity among the international community, and to the realization of a just and lasting peace as soon as possible. Based on this position, we will continue our efforts in coordination with the international community, including the G7.