Press Conferences

Mr. KITAMURA Toshihiro, Press Secretary: I have two announcements at the outset.

The first is about the visit to Japan by NATO Secretary General Rutte. From yesterday, April 8 to 10, H.E. Mr. Mark Rutte, Secretary General of NATO is visiting Japan. This is Mr. Rutte’s first visit to the Indo-Pacific region since assuming the office of Secretary General of NATO last October.

Secretary General Rutte held a meeting with Minister of Defense Nakatani yesterday, and he will also hold a meeting with Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Muto this evening. Afterwards, a first meeting in person between Secretary General Rutte and Prime Minister Ishiba will be held, and Foreign Minister Iwaya and Defense Minister Nakatani are scheduled to attend the meeting.

Foreign Minister Iwaya attended the Meeting of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs held in Brussels, Belgium last week, and he discussed with foreign ministers from 32 NATO member countries and Indo-Pacific partners, the so-called IP4, which consists of Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea, on security challenges across the regions, and NATO-IP4 cooperation. In addition, Minister Iwaya exchanged views with Secretary General Rutte.

During this visit to Japan, based on the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable, there are expectations for further strengthening of Japan-NATO relations and the expansion of NATO’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific.

Press Secretary Kitamura: The second topic is about the exhibition in the Diplomatic Archives.

The Diplomatic Archives Exhibition Room of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is located in Azabudai Hills, is hosting a special exhibition titled “Portrait of Yoshida Shigeru: Through Precious Historical Documents” from yesterday, April 8 to May 31.

This year also marks the 100th year of the Showa era and the 80th year since the end of World War II, presenting an opportune moment to reflect on the achievement of former Prime Minister YOSHIDA Shigeru, who played an extremely important role in post-war diplomacy. We hope you will go visit the Diplomatic Archives Exhibition Room.

These are all the two announcements from me.

NHK, Yonezu: I would like to ask about another matter. The anti-whaling organization Sea Shepherd has issued a statement that the international wanted notice for suspect Paul Watson, the former President of the organization, who had been wanted by the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO), has been temporarily suspended. Could you clarify the facts? In addition, in the statement, Sea Shepherd has claimed that the suspension was due to suspicions that Japan’s arrest warrant was based on political motives. Please share with us the view of the Government, including this claim.

Press Secretary Kitamura: Firstly, I would like to state Japan’s basic position on this issue.

Suspect Paul Watson has been wanted as a suspect of an ordinary crime, charged with accomplice in injury, destruction of property, and other offenses. The longstanding position of the Government of Japan is that the issue on suspect Paul Watson is a matter of law enforcement, regardless of views on whaling. It is deeply regrettable that suspect Paul Watson is repeatedly making baseless remarks.

That being said, on your question about the temporary invalidation of the wanted notice, we have confirmed that suspect Paul Watson requested ICPO to delete the Red Notice, which is an international wanted notice requesting detention based on the premise of extradition. We are aware that, in response, ICPO has taken measures to temporarily suspend the effect of this Red Notice.

Regarding this matter, we understand that ICPO will conduct an investigation and examine the propriety of the Red Notice against suspect Paul Watson.

In any case, the Government of Japan will continue to appropriately deal with this issue towards the continuation of the Red Notice, based on the position I stated earlier.