Press Conferences

Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi: As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is undergoing office renovations, press conferences will be held in this temporary press conference room for some time starting today. We appreciate your understanding.

I would also like to note that we have taken this opportunity to install a new backdrop panel. I think the design is not too bad.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: I have three announcements at the outset.

The first point is about my visit to the State of Kuwait.

I will be visiting Kuwait from August 31 to September 3.

In Kuwait, I will be attending the second Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers’ meeting held with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which is comprised of six Gulf countries. Additionally, on this occasion, I intend to hold Foreign Ministers’ meetings with GCC member states, including Kuwait, which holds the GCC presidency this year.

I will hold discussions on Japan-GCC cooperation, including the Japan-GCC Economic Partnership Agreement, cooperation with GCC member states in such field as energy, as well as regional and international affairs, including the situation in the Middle East.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: The second point concerns my meeting with the Foreign Minister of Serbia.

Earlier today, I held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Djuric, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia. We agreed with Serbia, a cornerstone of (a key country in) the Western Balkans, to further advance our bilateral relations in a wide range of fields, including the economy.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: The last point concerns the Japan-Australia “2+2” meeting.

The 12th Japan-Australia Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations, known as the “2+2” meeting, will be held in Tokyo on September 5. Attendees from the Japanese side will be myself and Minister of Defense NAKATANI, and attendees from the Australian side will be Minister for Foreign Affairs Wong and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Marles.

Japan and Australia are also the central pillar of the coordination among like-minded countries. At this “2+2” meeting, Japan and Australia, special strategic partners, will discuss further strengthening security cooperation. Furthermore, I will be holding a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with Minister Wong, where we intend to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: I would like to ask about your visit to Kuwait, which you mentioned in your opening remarks. Could you explain a little more about why one country, Kuwait, was chosen as your destination in the Middle East? In the Middle East, the situation in Gaza is currently a matter of great concern. Another major concern is the Iranian nuclear issue. Notably, the UK, France, and Germany initiated procedures yesterday to restore United Nations (UN) sanctions against Iran. Against this backdrop, I believe that Japan has relations with Israel to consider in responding to the situation in Gaza, and that you have held telephone talks with the Iranian Foreign Minister repeatedly to date. If there are any reasons for not visiting Israel or Iran this time, please tell us why.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: There are no reasons. As a matter of course, we are following the situation in Iran very closely. Some GCC member states effectively mediate. Therefore, at the Second Japan-GCC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, we will be extensively discussing regional issues, including the issues surrounding Iran, Israel, and Gaza.

In addition, Japan stays in contact with Iran and Israel, and intends to fully fulfill its expected role toward resolving these issues. I am ready to visit the countries myself as necessary, depending on the circumstances.

Furthermore, the GCC member states are assuming an increasingly important role in addressing these issues. We therefore consider it critical to engage in consultations with these countries on key regional challenges, including the situation in Gaza and the Iranian nuclear issue.

I intend to take this opportunity to steadfastly strengthen our cooperation.

Nikkei Shimbun, BABA: I would like to ask about North Korean diplomacy. It has been announced that Kim Jong-un will be attending an event commemorating the “80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression” to be held on September 3 in China. This will be Kim Jong-un’s first visit to China in six years, and it is unprecedented for the leaders of China, Russia, and North Korea to gather together. How do you view the current situation where Kim Jong-un is actively engaging in diplomatic activities, including those with China and Russia?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: We constantly strive to gather and analyze information with serious concern regarding the situations surrounding China, Russia, and North Korea. I would like to refrain from commenting on them individually.

Furthermore, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an issue that concerns security around the world, including the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, the advancement of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a matter of serious concern, not only because it will further deteriorate the situation in Ukraine but also from the viewpoint of its impact on the regional security surrounding Japan.

Japan and China have been discussing the situation in Ukraine, including through meetings between myself and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Japan will continue to call on China to act responsibly.

While there are still many outstanding issues between Japan and China, I believe we have made gradual progress through these diplomatic efforts. I would like you to value this broader trend.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I have a follow-up question on the military parade on September 3. There is concern that anti-Japanese sentiment may rise due to this military parade and other large-scale efforts by the Government of China to promote this year as the “80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression.” It is concerning that these movements could influence the historical perception of Japan held by high-level officials from countries that have good relations with Japan, such as President Prabowo of Indonesia, who is scheduled to attend the event. What kind of foreign policy does the Government of Japan intend to conduct in response to these moves by China? Does Japan intend to respond by strengthening outreach to other countries? If you have any thoughts on this, please share them with us.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: As the attendees of the ceremony hosted by China is a matter between third countries, I would like to refrain from commenting directly on it.

That being said, needless to say, during the 80 years since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently followed the path of a peace-loving nation to build a free, democratic and peaceful nation that upholds human rights and the rule of law, under the determination to never repeat the devastation of war. I believe that through our diplomatic relations with each country, this is well understood by the respective countries.

Japan has repeatedly emphasized its position to the Chinese side and has continued to communicate this position to the international community on various occasions. We view that our position is fully understood by the entire international community.

TBS, OSAKI: I would like to ask about the situation in the Gaza Strip. On August 22, the UN formally announced that people are trapped in “famine” in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, where the Israeli military invasion continues. In response, 14 UN Security Council members, except for the U.S., issued a joint statement condemning this famine as a man-made crisis. Concerns are increasingly being voiced around the world. What is the position of the Government of Japan on this matter? Please share with us Japan’s response going forward, and your thoughts on this.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: We are aware that, as you noted, the UN announced on August 22 that Gaza City and its surrounding areas are facing “famine,” the most serious level of food shortage.

Improving the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza is an urgent priority. Japan is strongly calling on Israel to take substantive measures to end the serious humanitarian crisis. In addition, we reiterate our strong demand for Israel’s full compliance with international law.

Under these circumstances, on August 20, Japan signed and exchanged notes for a grant aid of JPY 500 million to provide food assistance through the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to Palestine, including Gaza.

Japan will continue to work closely with relevant countries and organizations in strongly calling on all parties, including Israel, to act in good faith toward achieving a ceasefire as soon as possible and ensuring humanitarian access. We will continue to make diplomatic efforts.

Jiji Press, CHIBA: I have a question regarding the Japan-Australia “2+2” meeting you mentioned in your opening remarks. I understand various projects are currently underway such as next frigate project in Australia and, according to reports, a memorandum on the evacuation of respective nationals from third countries in the event of crises. Please explain once again the significance of holding a Japan-Australia “2+2” meeting at this time.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: As I stated in my opening remarks, at the upcoming “2+2” meeting, we will discuss further strengthening Japan-Australia security and defense cooperation, looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia next year. Furthermore, amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan, we intend to also discuss the strategic environment across the region.

The “2+2” meeting will be held exactly one year after the previous meeting last September. Building on the progress over the past year, we intend to further strengthen collaboration between the two countries in a variety of areas. Progress has also been made in defense equipment cooperation. We will ensure that the “2+2” meeting contributes to further strengthening the special strategic partnership between Japan and Australia.

Asian News International, ITAGAKI: Today, a Japan-India Summit meeting, a press conference, and other events are scheduled to take place. Ahead of these events, I would like to once again ask for your opinion on Japan-India relations. The Japanese private sector, including large, medium, and small enterprises, as well as local governments, especially Yamanashi and Tokushima Prefectures, are promoting businesses in India very actively and have been successful. Contrary to these positive developments, there is uncertainty about whether the negotiations on tariffs are making progress in a situation like “Trump tariffs vs Prime Minister Modi”. If this situation continues for a long time, it would inevitably place strain on the Indian economy. It may also have an impact on frameworks such as the Quad and the free and open economic region initiative, as well as on Japan, India, and Africa. What is the Government of Japan’s outlook on this matter?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: As you pointed out, India is an important member of the Quad. Now that India’s population is the largest in the world and its economy is set to grow even more, Japan will seek to further advance Japan-India relations through today’s Summit meeting.

In this context, as a matter of course, Japan is closely following with great interest the developments related to the U.S. tariff measures that you just mentioned. We will carefully assess its potential impacts and respond appropriately.

Regarding our discussions with the Government of India, since they are matter of diplomatic communications, I would like to refrain from going into details. Please kindly understand that we are conducting thorough dialogues at a variety of levels in a range of areas. I will also be attending today’s Summit meeting. While I would like to refrain from speculating on the content of the meeting, I expect that a range of issues will be discussed at the meeting.

Yomiuri Shimbun, UEMURA: I have a question on the situation regarding North Korea or policy toward North Korea. At the recent U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit meeting, President Lee Jae Myung of the ROK urged President Trump to hold an in-person dialogue with North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, and President Trump expressed his willingness to hold a meeting by the end of this year. I believe policies toward North Korea were also discussed at the recent Japan-ROK Summit meeting. Will the Government of Japan support the realization of a U.S.-North Korea Summit meeting, or will it continue to call for a dialogue between the Japanese and North Korean leaders? Please share with us Japan’s policy toward North Korea going forward.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: I do not think one or the other takes priority. In any case, we need to find the best possible path toward resolving the nuclear, missile, and abductions issues between Japan and North Korea. On that note, I would like to refrain from commenting on efforts between the U.S. and North Korea based on speculation. As a matter of course, cooperation with the international community, including the U.S. and the ROK, is essential for resolving the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues. In this regard, the Government would like to continue working closely and maintaining communication with the U.S. and the ROK.

In addition, Prime Minister ISHIBA has consistently emphasized that in order to resolve the outstanding issues between Japan and North Korea, it is necessary that the leaders engage in candid dialogue and face these issues head-on.

We have been conveying the Prime Minister’s thoughts to the North Korean side through various channels and have been reaching out to them.

We intend to continuously examine the most effective approaches for the resolution of various outstanding issues, such as the abductions, nuclear, and missile issues, from the perspective of what would be most effective in achieving comprehensive resolution.

Kyodo News, AYUKAWA: I would like to ask about political rather than diplomatic issues. Please allow me to ask you one more time though I asked you a similar question regarding developments in the LDP during your overseas visit. It was decided that Party Diet members and representatives of Prefectural Party Federation branches who support an early LDP extraordinary presidential election must submit signed responses which will be publicly disclosed afterward. In response, some Party members have expressed criticism and opposition, claiming it a political power struggle. In the meanwhile, some have expressed the view that if, for example, Ministers, State Ministers, or Parliamentary Vice-Ministers favor moving forward the LDP presidential election, then they should resign from their posts. Please share with us your thoughts and views on this matter.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: First of all, as this is a question concerning political issues, I would like to respond not as Foreign Minister. First, I believe it is most important that various discussions are held, and a conclusion is reached based on the LDP Constitution. I understand that the Presidential Election Administration Committee is conducting talks pursuant to the LDP Constitution and that procedures are being followed in accordance with the stipulated rules. Therefore, I believe the comment that this is a demonstration of a political power struggle is inaccurate.

Furthermore, so long as one is serving the Government, it is their foremost responsibility to faithfully fulfill the duties and mission entrusted under the leadership of Prime Minister ISHIBA. Should one decide otherwise, then it is only natural that appropriate action be taken accordingly.