Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: At the outset, I would like to provide an update on the progress of the Government’s efforts to facilitate the departure of Japanese nationals wishing to leave the Gulf States, in light of the current situation surrounding Iran.

First, on March 8, a chartered plane that departed from Muscat, the capital of Oman, arrived at Narita Airport. Then on the morning of March 10, today, a government-chartered plane from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, arrived at Narita Airport.

As of today, 388 people have returned to Japan from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

In addition, 16 individuals from Iran and five from Israel have evacuated to safe neighboring countries by land.

As there are additional individuals who wish to depart the region, the Government will continue to provide departure assistance. Specifically, we are making thorough preparations to ensure that flights will depart from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, UAE, respectively, between March 10 and 11, Japan time.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) will continue to make every effort to ensure that all those who wish to leave the region can do so safely.

Among those wishing to depart the region, some have expressed a wish, for example, to travel to Riyadh by land and remain there for a while to monitor the situation. As a result, the number of individuals returning to Japan fluctuates daily. The Government is responding carefully and in a timely manner to these requests and is making necessary preparations accordingly.

Kyodo News, ONDA: I would like to ask about Prime Minister TAKAICHI’s upcoming visit to the U.S. At the Budget Committee meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister mentioned that you will be accompanying her. What are your expectations for the discussions, and will a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting take place during the visit? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: If circumstances permit, I will accompany Prime Minister TAKAICHI on her visit to the U.S.

We intend to make the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting an opportunity for the two leaders to reaffirm the further strengthening of their relationship of trust, which was also confirmed in October, as well as to strengthen the Japan-U.S. relationship in a wide range of fields, such as security and the economy, including economic security.

Prime Minister TAKAICHI is expected to convey Japan’s position and views on the situation in the Middle East, including Iran, as well as on the increasingly severe international situation. I believe that the two leaders will deepen their discussions.

Furthermore, we would like to reaffirm the two countries’ strong commitment to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP), which is a pillar of Japan’s diplomacy.

The schedule of the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting is currently being coordinated. We will explore the possibility of holding meetings on the margins, taking into account factors such as whether Secretary Rubio will accompany President Trump. Nothing has been decided at this stage regarding the point you asked about.

Sankei Shimbun, NAGAHARA: You held a telephone meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Araghchi of Iran yesterday and urged an early de-escalation of the situation. Prior to that, you also held a telephone meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel. Given that Japan is in a position to communicate with the U.S., Israel, and Iran—the parties involved in the conflict—could you share your thoughts on how Japan intends to contribute to its resolution.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: At present, as the exchange of attacks continues and the situation across the region deteriorates, we believe that working toward an early de-escalation of the situation is of utmost importance. To this end, as you just pointed out, it is extremely important to maintain communication with the parties involved and other relevant countries regarding the future responses and prospects. It is from this standpoint that we have been pursuing proactive diplomacy each day.

First, on the morning of March 1, immediately after the situation arose, a G7 Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Meeting was held. Secretary of State Rubio of the U.S. provided an overview of the latest developments at the time and its outlook. For my part, I conveyed Japan’s stance, while the G7 members exchanged views.

Having already met with both Foreign Minister Sa’ar of Israel and Foreign Minister Araghchi of Iran on multiple occasions, I held a telephone meeting with Foreign Minister Sa’ar of Israel on March 6 and with Foreign Minister Araghchi of Iran yesterday. During these occasions I directly urged both ministers to work on an early de-escalation of the situation.

I have also held talks with the prime ministers and foreign ministers of the Gulf States. I clearly conveyed to both Israel and Iran that the Gulf States share the view that an early de-escalation of the situation is necessary. Since these were not our first meeting, I believe my counterparts fully understood what I intended to convey.

As I just stated, I am maintaining ongoing communication with the prime ministers and foreign ministers of the Gulf States. Going forward, I will continue to make all diplomatic efforts toward an early de-escalation of the situation, in close coordination with the international community.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: I’m just following up on my previous questions. Given the looming crisis in energy security for Japan, do you think Japan is going to take more real initiative toward de-escalating the situation, other than like condemning Iran or talking to your counterparts? Japan has good relations with everybody there. So, Japan is in a good position to make real action on the ground there. And also, Iran has elected a new leader. What is Japan’s position on that? We know the United State didn’t approve it, because it seems like the United State can decide who is going to rule Iran [sic]. So, what is Japan’s position on that? Thank you.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: First, while this overlaps with some of my responses to the previous question, we believe that working toward an early de-escalation of the situation is of utmost importance at this time.

Achieving this will ensure the safety of maritime traffic and transportation, including through the Strait of Hormuz. This is, in turn, extremely important for Japan from the perspective of energy security, as Japan relies on the Middle East for over 90% of its oil and slightly over 10% of its liquefied natural gas (LNG).

As for your question on the election of Iran’s new leader, I would like to refrain from commenting, as it concerns the internal affairs of another country. In any case, we will also closely monitor domestic developments in Iran going forward.

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: My question may overlap in many respects with the one just asked, but I would also like to ask about the situation in Iran. While Japan has experienced two oil crises in the past, the Strait of Hormuz was never closed during those periods. In the current conflict, however, the Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed, and Japan appears to be in the midst of a crisis even more unpredictable than the previous oil crises. Moreover, the Japanese economy is facing a “triple decline” of a weakening yen, falling government bond prices, and a decline in stock prices. Soaring crude oil prices, combined with a weakening yen, may trigger severe inflation. At the previous press conference, I asked about diplomatic options to avoid an oil crisis and offered one such option, to which you responded that the approach I suggested did not align with your own views. Could you once again share your views on foreign policy measures needed to overcome the crisis? I believe the markets are also eager to hear them.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Who did you say? I am not sure I fully understand the last part of your question.

Independent Web Journal, HAMAMOTO: The markets are awaiting your views.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Right, the markets. To add to my response to your previous question, you suggested that Japan change its policy toward Russia. Given the extremely severe situation in Ukraine, Japan will continue to provide support for Ukraine and maintain sanctions against Russia, while working together with the international community and the G7. Our position remains unchanged, and it was in this context that I stated our views differ.

Regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as I mentioned in my response to earlier questions, we are following the situation with great concern. As I stated a short while ago, and as has already been announced in press releases, I have been making the necessary outreach efforts and strengthening coordination through a series of meetings, with the aim of ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters.

Furthermore, there are various forecasts regarding the impact on the domestic economy. We believe it is also necessary to closely monitor trends in crude oil prices, taking into account developments in the markets and other factors. MOFA intends to work closely with relevant ministries and agencies in implementing appropriate measures to minimize the impact on the Japanese economy.