Press Conferences

Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi: I have two announcements at the outset.

The first is about the Joint Statement by the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of Japan and Papua New Guinea.

Today, September 16, Japan and Papua New Guinea celebrate 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. On this milestone, t Minister for Foreign Affairs of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Tkatchenko and I will issue a Joint Statement today.

In this Joint Statement, we confirmed that we will further strengthen our cooperative relations, including through Japan’s first Official Security Assistance (OSA) for Papua New Guinea, on which the two sides signed notes today, and that we will work closely to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

As the regional situation becomes increasingly severe, Japan will continue its efforts to enhance relations with Pacific Island countries, including Papua New Guinea, as our reliable partner.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: The other announcement concerns “JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Africa Hometown.”

Misinformation continues to spread on social media and other platforms about “JICA Africa Hometown” which was announced at the recent TICAD 9, suggesting, for example, that the program will promote the acceptance of immigrants.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has already held the press conference by the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs on August 28, and in addition, has been making efforts to disseminate accurate information through its official website and social media. Despite these efforts, misinformation continues to circulate, and we are strongly concerned about this situation. We take seriously the fact that this situation is also placing a burden on relevant local governments.

This program was originally designed with the aim of strengthening international exchanges. At present, its future course is under review in consultation with the relevant local governments. For its part, MOFA will continue to make every effort to provide accurate information.

Accordingly, we would like to once again ask the public to remain calm and carefully discern correct information.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is about the Palestine issue. A report in the Japanese media quoted an American official requesting Japan not to recognize a Palestinian state and basically threatening Japan that if it recognized Palestine, it risks impacting the bilateral American and Japanese relations. What is your comment on this reported threat? Thank you.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: As I have repeatedly stated on each occasion, Japan is closely following the current international discussion on the issue of recognizing Palestinian statehood with serious concern. We are in close communication with the U.S. on a regular basis. However, I would like to refrain from going into in the details as they are matters of diplomatic exchanges.

There is no change in Japan’s consistent position of supporting a two-state solution to the issue of Israel and Palestine. As I also stated at my press conference last week, Japan will eventually recognize Palestinian statehood. The remaining question is when this will take place. That being said, I believe that the most important point is to realize peace. Therefore, with a view toward fostering peace, we are now conducting a serious assessment of what would be most appropriate and effective, and what would actually work in practice to achieve peace. The Government will continue to assess comprehensively the issue of recognizing Palestinian statehood, including the appropriate timing and modalities.

Jiji Press, CHIBA: I have a related question. I believe the U.S. has taken a critical stance on France and others for their announcement of recognizing Palestinian statehood. Could you tell us to what extent Japan should consider its relations with the U.S., which backs Israel, in determining whether or not to recognize statehood?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: I believe saying that Japan makes its decision based on its relations with the U.S. would be somewhat misleading. I rather believe that it is extremely important to maintain close communication with the U.S., which is in a position to exercise significant influence over Israel.

Japan strongly condemns Israel’s attempts to occupy all areas of the Gaza Strip and expand settlements in the West Bank.

These acts must be stopped. To do so, Japan must communicate closely with the U.S., speak clearly to Israel, and speak also clearly to Palestine, including the Palestinian Authority. It is in this sense that I have emphasized the importance of communication with the U.S.

Kyodo News, KAJIKAZAWA: I would like to ask three questions regarding JICA Africa Hometown issue you mentioned in your opening remarks. Some reports said that “hometown” will be renamed. Can you please confirm this? Secondly, have the local governments made any requests for a name change or about the program itself? Thirdly, could you inform us how you have cautioned MOFA staff on this matter?

Foreign Minister IWAYA: Regarding this program, I am aware that not all, but some, local governments have requested a renaming.

As I stated at the outset, we believe that a conclusion on the future course of this program should be reached as promptly as possible. We are currently conducting a review in consultation with local governments concerned.

This matter initially started with erroneous information in the Nigerian government’s announcement, which they have acknowledged and apologized for. Nonetheless, I feel that we should have communicated more thoroughly, and I have given clear instructions to that effect within MOFA.

It is also true that this matter has caused difficulties for the relevant local governments involved. Therefore, I have instructed that MOFA should respond with sincerity and in good faith.

Asahi Shimbun, SASAYAMA: It has been reported that Prime Minister ISHIBA will be visiting the ROK at the end of the month. Are these reports true? If so, it would mean that the Prime Minister would be visiting the ROK just before leaving office. I would also like to ask about the meaning of this visit.

Foreign Minister IWAYA: I understand that there are various reports in the media. Japan and the ROK have concurred on continuing high-level and close communication between both governments, including “shuttle diplomacy” between the leaders and foreign ministers.

That said, the specific dates and other details of the Prime Minister’s visit to the ROK, which you asked about, have not been decided yet.

This being said, after the inauguration of the new administration of the ROK in June, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun first visited Japan in July and held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with me. In addition, last month, President Lee Jae Myung visited Japan as the destination of his first bilateral visit after taking office. In this way, I understand that Japan and the ROK are currently communicating closely and maintaining a very positive underlying relationship. I believe we must cherish this.

At the recent Summit meeting, the two leaders also concurred to significantly develop the Japan-ROK relations in a future-oriented and stable manner, based on the foundation of the Japan-ROK relations which has been established since the normalization of the Japan-ROK relations in 1965.

For these reasons, I believe that conducting “shuttle diplomacy” is highly meaningful. The Japan-ROK relations and the coordination among Japan, the U.S. and the ROK are becoming more important than ever, so I believe it is essential to ensure communication between the Japanese and ROK Governments.