Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: This time, I have visited here, Brussels, Belgium to attend the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs. This morning, I attended the Japan-U.S.- Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Taking this opportunity, I exchanged views with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio on the series of U.S. tariff measures. I conveyed to him that it is extremely regrettable that the Government of the U.S. announced reciprocal tariff measures and imposed tariffs measures on automobiles, and I also strongly urged the U.S. to reconsider these measures. At the Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we concurred that strengthening the solidarity of the three countries and advancing concrete cooperation, while upholding shared principles including the rule of law, would enhance their deterrence and response capabilities toward the peace and prosperity of the region and beyond. In addition, we expressed our serious concerns over North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities and the advancement of the Russia-North Korea military cooperation, with recent developments in mind, and reaffirmed to work closely together on these issues. Furthermore, we reconfirmed our commitment toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions. I also reaffirmed the consistent support from the governments of the U.S. and the ROK regarding the abductions issue.

In the afternoon, I attended the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Based on the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the security of the Indo-Pacific and Asia are now inextricably inseparable, I stressed that a strong NATO also benefits Japan and the Indo-Pacific region. Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force should not be tolerated anywhere in the world, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. I explained the current situation that such attempts also continue and are even strengthened in the Indo-Pacific region. Additionally, I discussed North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities which are funded by malicious cyber activities, as well as the abductions issue. I also asked for further engagement by NATO to the Indo-Pacific, and many countries expressed their agreement and support. Regarding the situation in Ukraine, I stated that it is important to support vigorous efforts by the U.S. and European countries for an early end to the combat and the achievement of a just and lasting peace.

I held a meeting with NATO Secretary General Rutte ahead of the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Secretary General Rutte is scheduled to visit Japan next week. I welcomed the visit, and we concurred to further strengthen the Japan-NATO cooperation including in the defense industry area.

Moreover, I also held foreign ministers’ meetings with Foreign Minister Valtonen of Finland and Foreign Minister Sybiha of Ukraine on this occasion.

I believe this visit helped promote further engagement of NATO and its member countries in the Indo-Pacific and will take our cooperation forward. Japan intends to continue to cooperate with NATO and like-minded countries for maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. That is all from me at the outset.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the details of your discussion on tariffs with U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, which you mentioned in your opening remarks. Right now, the Government of the U.S. is announcing or imposing various tariff measures. Could you explain in detail which measures you requested reconsideration of and the reason? Additionally, please explain how Japan intends to proceed with the intergovernmental negotiations, including if there is a possibility of imposing retaliatory tariffs, filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), or taking other countermeasures.

Minister Iwaya: It is extremely regrettable that the Government of the U.S. announced reciprocal tariff measures and imposed tariff measures on automobiles, despite Japan’s efforts to convey its concerns about the tariff measures and repeated claims it should not adopt unilateral tariff measures, using our channels at different levels. We have serious concerns regarding whether the measures are consistent with WTO agreements and the Japan-U.S. Trade Agreement.

I conveyed to Secretary Rubio that it is extremely regrettable that the Government of the U.S. announced reciprocal tariff measures and imposed tariff measures on automobiles, and I strongly urged the U.S. to reconsider these measures. In response to the latest U.S. announcement, and taking into account the Prime Minister’s instructions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will cooperate and collaborate with the relevant ministries and agencies in conducting a thorough examination of the U.S. tariff measures and their potential impact on the Japanese economy, and will then continue to persistently urge the U.S. to reconsider the measures. We will address this issue by considering what serves Japan’s national interest and what would be most effective among all the available options.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting was held a day before ROK President Yoon’s impeachment trial verdict is to be announced. Please tell us the significance of being able to hold a meeting among the three countries at this timing. In addition, what is the current outlook for the date of the Japan-U.S.-ROK Summit Meeting?

Minister Iwaya: Every day there are various developments in the domestic situation in the ROK. Nevertheless, the importance of Japan-ROK relations and Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation remains unchanged in the current strategic environment. It was in this context that the Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held. The meeting was held within a relatively short time since the previous meeting that was held on the margins of the Munich Security Conference. Through today’s meeting, I believe we were able to reaffirm that strengthening the solidarity of the three countries and advancing concrete cooperation will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the region and beyond.

As for the next Japan-U.S.-ROK Summit Meeting you asked about, a decision has not been made at this stage. In any case, amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan, it is extremely important that Japan, the U.S., and the ROK are coordinating firmly, and we intend to continue to work closely together.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the situation in Ukraine. You held a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Sybiha. I believe the situation in Ukraine was also raised at the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Ever since the peace negotiations have begun to proceed under the leadership of the U.S. and Russia, you have stated at international conferences and other fora that the situation cannot set a wrong precedent, that the war must not end with Russia as the victor, and that it is Ukraine’s voice that must be listened to most attentively. Could you tell us whether you conveyed these views during the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs and during your meeting with Minister Sybiha today? I would also like to ask whether you exchanged views on security guarantees for Ukraine with Minister Sybiha for example. Furthermore, as peace negotiations get under way, how much longer does Japan intend to continue its sanctions against Russia, and will Japan be continuing to provide support for Ukraine?

Minister Iwaya: We view that the way of peace in Ukraine could significantly affect not only Europe but the entire international order, including the Indo-Pacific region. Based on this awareness, I stated to Foreign Minister Sybiha that Japan would strongly urge Russia to take positive reactions, in coordination with Ukraine and the G7. I conveyed directly to Minister Sybiha that the international community will continue to make united efforts toward the realization of a just and lasting peace. While I would like to refrain from disclosing the details as this is diplomatic communication, Foreign Minister Sybiha and I exchanged views on what the future way of peace should be. Regarding support for Ukraine, I directly conveyed that Japan will continue to stand with Ukraine and will continue to provide support. On sanctions against Russia, Japan has implemented sanctions in coordination with the international community, including the G7, for the realization of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Japan remains committed to taking appropriate responses under this basic policy.

In any case, Japan will continue to address the situation in Ukraine by working closely with Ukraine, the U.S., and other members of the international community to ensure that the ongoing developments lead to a full ceasefire, rather than a partial ceasefire, and by extension, the realization of a just and lasting peace.

Reporter: I would like to ask about the NATO+IP4 meeting you attended today. NATO has been enhancing its engagement in the Indo-Pacific amid wariness toward China, stating in its “Strategic Concept” unveiled in 2022 that China poses systemic challenges to Euro-Atlantic security. China has been intensifying its coercion, including the recent military drills around Taiwan. By attending this meeting, what thoughts have you come away with on the significance of Japan-NATO cooperation, as well as the importance of personally explaining the situation in the Indo-Pacific to NATO member countries? Additionally, North Korea has been deepening its military cooperation with Russia, which, I gather, is of high interest to NATO countries as well. What discussion took place on this topic today? Furthermore, NATO has shifted the nature of its alliance depending on the times, such as during and after the Cold War. I expect that there will be ongoing examination of how NATO, a military alliance in the Euro-Atlantic, can engage in the Indo-Pacific on the opposite side of the Earth. If you have any thoughts on the ideal cooperative relationship, please share them with us.

Minister Iwaya: While this was the fourth consecutive year that a Japanese Foreign Minister was invited to the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs, this was my first time to attend. Having attended, I feel that it was a very meaningful meeting. I have always stated that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and today, I confirmed once again or reacknowledged that this recognition is fully shared with NATO member countries. Furthermore, at this meeting, I explained the current severe security environment in the Indo-Pacific. I explained that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force continue and have even strengthened in this region. Today, I encouraged NATO to enhance its interest and engagement in the Indo-Pacific. Needless to say, I felt that an awareness of the issue is already shared among the member countries. In this sense, I would like to reiterate that attending this meeting was very meaningful.

On the advancement of the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, I stated that it not only leads to further deterioration of the situation in Ukraine but also affects the security in the Indo-Pacific region, and I believe Japan and the member countries were able to share this concern. I confirmed the importance of addressing this issue as well by working with like-minded countries, including NATO.

The Government of Japan has been closely following China’s military drills around Taiwan over the last few days with great interest. We have already conveyed our concern directly to China. At today’s meeting, I stated that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is important for stability throughout the international community, and I believe we were able to reach a shared recognition on this as well.

Japan-NATO relations have evolved dramatically in parallel with the growing need for security cooperation between the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific in recent years. As Secretary General Rutte is scheduled to visit Japan next week, I also intend to take this opportunity to continue to strengthen Japan-NATO cooperation.