Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Here in Johannesburg, South Africa, I attended the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting for the first time.

Amid the turbulent international community, it is important to firmly restore an international order based on the rule of law and to ensure peace and stability in the international community. Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force should not be tolerated anywhere in the world. To lead the world to cooperation rather than confrontation and division, it is essential to seek common ground through dialogue, and advance coordination and cooperation in which all countries share responsibility. With these views, I firmly communicated Japan’s stance.

I also spoke on the importance of cooperating with Africa, keeping in mind the first G20 Summit to be held in Africa and Japan’s hosting of TICAD 9 in Yokohama this August. Moreover, I confirmed strengthening coordination with countries of the Global South through meetings with my counterparts of Brazil, Türkiye, Algeria, Angola, and South Africa.

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, I stated our hope that currently ongoing various diplomatic efforts will lead to an end to the prolonged combat. I also stated that, in achieving peace, it is important to address this matter to ensure that the situation does not lead to the drawing of the wrong precedent.

The security of Europe and Asia is inseparable. I stated that Japan expresses serious concern over the Russia-North Korea cooperation, and strongly condemns the engagement of North Korean troops in combat, and that a robust response by the international community is essential. Furthermore, I asked for understanding and cooperation from other countries for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue.

On the situation in the Middle East, I stressed that it is important to implement the ceasefire agreement steadily and in good faith in Gaza. I stated Japan’s position of supporting a two-state solution is unchanged, and expressed Japan’s intention to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and to play an active role in mid- to long-term recovery and reconstruction support as well.

In the session on G20 objectives in 2025, regarding an area of the disaster risk reduction, which the Ishiba administration particularly emphasizes, I stated that Japan will share its knowledge and technologies with the international community, including the G20, and contribute to strengthening preparations for and responses to the frequent large-scale natural disasters worldwide.

In addition, I also emphasized the importance of stable supply of critical minerals through diversification of supply chains, addressing the debt issues, establishment of AI governance in developing countries, including Africa, and a free and fair economic order, the foundation for global economic growth and prosperity.

Above all, it is important that the G20 makes itself a forum that leads the resolution of issues in the international community, while all members sharing responsibility. Based on this view, Japan will actively contribute to the success of the G20 Johannesburg Summit.

Furthermore, Minister Lamola of South Africa, this year’s G20 Presidency, and I confirmed that our two countries will cooperate toward the success of TICAD 9 in August and the G20 Summit in November this year, as well as cooperate firmly on bilateral relations.

That is all from me.

Reporter: In recent years, Global South countries have begun to distance themselves from Europe and North America, while China has been highlighting its engagement in the region. The G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held in the absence of Secretary of State Rubio of the U.S.. Please describe the role played by Japan at the meeting. Additionally, how will Japan be cooperating with African countries for the success of TICAD 9 to be held in Japan this August?

Minister Iwaya: Regrettably, the world is becoming increasingly confrontational and divided. I believe it is the mission of Japanese diplomacy to lead the world toward cooperation. This international cooperation must be led by the G20, which comprises developed countries, major emerging economies, and Global South countries. This requires efforts to increase common ground one by one and decrease disagreements one by one through dialogue. I emphasized that it is essential to advance G20 cooperation in which all countries share responsibility.

I believe this G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the first one to be held in Africa, was highly significant. Japan intends to contribute to human resource development and technical cooperation in mineral resource-rich countries. With TICAD 9 scheduled in August, we will proceed with the preparations in courteous communication with TICAD co-organizers, including the African Union Commission (AUC), and African countries. We hope to make TICAD 9 a forum where Japan and Africa can co-create solutions to the various challenges facing the international community.

Reporter: I would like to ask about Ukraine. February 24 will mark three years since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. What are your thoughts on the prolongation of the war? In addition, the U.S. and Russia have begun talks toward a ceasefire. Please share with us again the Government of Japan’s position or view on the ceasefire and whether it will continue its support for Ukraine.

Minister Iwaya: So, February 24 will mark three years since the aggression began. As we approach the three-year mark, I express once again my respect for the courage and perseverance of the Ukrainian people in standing against this aggression. I also reiterate Japan’s condemnation of Russia’s act of aggression.

Countries, including the U.S., are now making diplomatic efforts for achieving peace in Ukraine. I sincerely hope that such diplomatic efforts will lead to bringing an end to the prolonged combat and achieving a breakthrough in the challenging circumstances. To this end, Japan will fully fulfill its expected role in close cooperation with the international community. That being said, peace in Ukraine must be just and lasting. The nature of peace could have a significant impact on the security of the world and the security of the Indo-Pacific. Accordingly, we must ensure that it does not lead to the drawing of the wrong precedent. To support Ukraine, which is facing a national crisis, Japan will steadily provide support more than ever before in the fields of humanitarian assistance, finance, and recovery and reconstruction. We will continue to strive to support Ukraine, while following how the discussions in the international community unfold and working closely with the international community.

Reporter: On the margins of the G20 meeting, did you hold individual meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi of China or Minister of Foreign Affairs Lavrov of Russia? If yes, please share the details with us. If not, please tell us the reason.

Minister Iwaya: I did not have any contact with Foreign Minister Lavrov. With Foreign Minister Wang, I held informal talks briefly, but I would like to refrain from disclosing the details of our communication.