Press Conferences

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: As we approach the end of the current Diet session, I would like to say a few words looking back on my diplomatic activities so far.

Approximately nine months have passed since I assumed the office of Minister for Foreign Affairs and the international situation has been changing dramatically day by day during this period. I have been engaged in my diplomatic activities with a sense of urgency. I would like to express my gratitude to the members of the Kasumi Club for their support and cooperation during the Diet session, and I ask for your continued support and cooperation.

First of all, during my time in office, I have made wholehearted efforts to ensure that the Japan-U.S. Alliance remains the cornerstone of Japan’s diplomacy and security. The Japan-U.S. Alliance is also the foundation for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. As soon as the Trump administration was inaugurated in January, I visited the U.S. and confirmed the unwavering importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance with Secretary of State Rubio. In February, during the summit meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and President Trump, in which I also participated, the two leaders confirmed that Japan and the U.S. will continue elevating their cooperation to new heights.

Furthermore, amid a significant shakeup in the international order, I have actively pursued multi-layered and multi-tiered collaboration with our ally, like-minded countries, and the Global South for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)” based on the rule of law. Additionally, I have made efforts to build future-oriented, constructive and stable relations with our neighboring countries, China and the Republic of Korea (ROK).

Since taking office, I have held over 90 in-person meetings with foreign ministers and more than 40 telephone meetings with foreign ministers. I have also made over 10 overseas visits, which is apparently equivalent to circling the globe approximately 6.5 times.

While the situations in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions continue to be tense, it is precisely for this reason that Japan will actively fulfill its role in the international community through a “diplomacy of dialogue and harmony.” I will strive to ensure that Japan can play a role in guiding the world heading toward confrontation and division back to harmony and reconciliation.

Minister Iwaya: Regarding my upcoming schedule, I will visit The Hague, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, from June 24 to 26 to accompany Prime Minister Ishiba, who will be attending the NATO Summit. Through bilateral meetings and other occasions with the G7 members and other countries, I intend to hold extensive dialogue on current key international issues.

Minister Iwaya: In addition, on June 23, I will visit Okinawa Prefecture for the first time since assuming office as Foreign Minister. I will be attending the Memorial Ceremony to Commemorate the Fallen on the 80th Anniversary of the End of the Battle of Okinawa.

This ceremony is an important occasion to remember the souls of those who perished on the battlefields as well as those who died suffering the ravages of war during the Battle of Okinawa. As Foreign Minister, I wish to express my heartfelt mourning and pray for a peaceful repose of the souls of all the victims of the Battle of Okinawa.

That is all from me at the outset.

Yomiuri Shimbun, Kamimura: I would like to ask about the situation in the Middle East. One week has passed since the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran began. First, I would like to confirm the position of the Government of Japan. The recent G7 statement referred to Israel’s right to self-defense. Do you assess Israel’s current attacks to be an exercise of its right to self-defense? Please tell us how the Government of Japan evaluates Israel’s attacks under international law. In addition, please share your assessment on Iran’s right to self-defense.

Minister Iwaya: Regarding the situation surrounding Israel and Iran, Japan views diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation to be of utmost importance. At the G7 Summit, the leaders confirmed, among other things, that development of nuclear weapons by Iran is unacceptable and that resolving the nuclear issue through dialogue is important.

In the statement issued following this discussion, the G7 emphasizes its commitment to peace and stability across the Middle East, and “in this context,” affirms that Israel has a right to defend itself. Therefore, it does not mean the G7 affirmed all actions conducted by Israel to constitute an exercise of the right to self-defense.

That being said, given the difficulty of fully ascertaining the facts surrounding Israel’s recent military actions and the subsequent exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran, I would like to refrain from making any definitive legal assessment. In any case, as I stated at the outset, Japan strongly urges all parties concerned to act in accordance with international law and to resolve this issue through negotiation and dialogue.

Japan will continue to make all necessary diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in close coordination with the G7 members and the broader international community.

Jiji Press, Chiba: I would like to ask about Japan-ROK relations. The day after tomorrow, June 22, will mark 60 years since the normalization of Japan-ROK relations. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister and President Lee Jae Myung held a meeting, and they concurred that they would continue to communicate closely. How do you view the current state of Japan-ROK relations? Additionally, please tell us how the bilateral relationship should be developed going forward. Furthermore, could you share your view on how the historical issues should be managed?

Minister Iwaya: As you just mentioned, a Japan-ROK summit meeting was recently held in Canada. I have been informed that the meeting took place in a very friendly atmosphere.

In addition, as you noted, a reception commemorating the 60th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations was held yesterday. The event was held in a grand and cordial atmosphere with Prime Minister Ishiba in attendance.

It is true that Japan-ROK relations have undergone various phases since their normalization in June 1965. Nonetheless, I believe bilateral exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas are expanding today and moving further forward.

Japan and the ROK are important neighbors that should cooperate with each other as partners on various issues in the international community. Considering the current international situation and strategic environment, we view that the importance of Japan-ROK relations and Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation has increased more than ever before.

Therefore, Japan will continue to communicate closely with the ROK, including President Lee Jae Myung and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to be appointed. Difficult issues exist precisely because we are neighbors, but Japan has upheld in their entirety the positions of previous cabinets and will make further efforts to ensure that Japan-ROK relations will be constructive and stable toward the future.

Kyodo News, Kajikazawa: I have a follow-up question on Japan-ROK relations. During the recent G7 Summit, the Japanese and ROK leaders concurred that they would continue their “shuttle diplomacy.” Please share your thoughts on this meeting once again.

Minister Iwaya: I believe the Japan-ROK summit meeting on the occasion of the G7 Summit was held in a very friendly atmosphere, as I stated earlier. At the meeting, the two leaders concurred on promoting close communication between the two governments for stable development of Japan-ROK relations, under their leadership. In other words, they agreed to steadily advance their “shuttle diplomacy.”

I believe the bilateral relationship is deepening even now under a very positive atmosphere. In particular, very active people-to-people exchanges are taking place. Therefore, the Government of Japan will continue to steadfastly support such efforts this year as it marks the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations, and Japan and the ROK have reached a shared view on this.

Furthermore, as I stated earlier, I believe a new Foreign Minister will be appointed shortly. I hope to meet with the Foreign Minister as soon as possible and communicate closely.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is about nuclear wars possible in the Middle East. There are reports worldwide suggesting that the United States might join Israel in attacking Iran. Although President Trump he said he will make a decision after two weeks, but who knows when something like that happens. Some officials actually in Israel and its ally have even called openly for the use of nuclear bombs against Iran. Meanwhile Japan and G7 expressed concerns about the Iranian nuclear program only and they seem to be tolerating, if not supporting Israeli nuclear arsenal. How do you think the possible expanding of such war into a nuclear war would impact Japan and its economy?

Minister Iwaya: As I stated earlier, regarding the situation surrounding Israel and Iran, Japan views diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation to be of utmost importance. At the G7 Summit, the leaders issued a statement confirming that development of nuclear weapons by Iran is unacceptable. In addition, at the G7 Summit, the leaders conveyed that resolving the nuclear issue through dialogue is important.

As I mentioned earlier, it is difficult to fully ascertain the facts surrounding Israel’s recent actions, and I would like to refrain from making any definitive legal assessment. In any case, Japan will continue to strongly urge all parties to act firmly in accordance with international law and to resolve this issue through dialogue.

Asahi Shimbun, Satomi: My question is about your visit to Okinawa, which you spoke about in your opening remarks. Given that the pouring of soil and sand into the sea at Henoko began when you were Minister of Defense, you probably have various thoughts and feelings about Okinawa. Do you have any plans during your visit to inspect the current situation from the sky, for example, or to visit the site?

Minister Iwaya: As the visit to Okinawa will be extremely brief, there will not be much extra time in the schedule. Since the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a liaison office there, I intend to confirm the current situation with the office staff. However, there is little time available for anything beyond that.

Regarding Henoko, when I was Minister of Defense, we initiated that work with a commitment to achieving the quickest possible total return of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, which is said to be the most dangerous base in the world, and thereby mitigate the impact on Okinawa. I have been following the progress of the work with great interest.

MOFA will do its utmost to ensure that the initial objectives are achieved as soon as possible.

Independent Web Journal, Hamamoto: I would like to ask about the situation on Israel and Iran. The G7 recognizes only Israel’s right to self-defense, the side that launched a “preemptive attack.” The G7 does not recognize the right to self-defense of Iran, the side that was attacked, and criticizes Iran on the grounds that it is trying to develop nuclear weapons. However, Israel already possesses nuclear weapons and has refused IAEA inspections. Despite this, the G7 criticizes only Iran, which has accepted both IAEA inspections and the nuclear agreement. In 2002, Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, and in the following year, the U.S. launched the Iraq War. However, no weapons of mass destruction were found. Is’nt the situation surrounding Israel and Iran a repeat of Iraq? Please tell us why the Government of Japan goes along with the G7’s unequal approach to the two countries.

Minister Iwaya: As I explained earlier, at the recent G7 Summit, the leaders emphasized their commitment to peace and stability across the Middle East, and in that context, they simply stated that Israel has a right to defend itself. At the same time, the G7 stated that this issue must be resolved through dialogue. Therefore, while I would like to refrain from making a legal assessment at this stage, from our country’s standpoint, we intend to strongly urge all parties concerned that this issue should be resolved through negotiation and dialogue, and not through military power.