Press Conferences

Foreign Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro: At the outset, I have one announcement.

With Golden Week approaching, many people may be planning to travel overseas. I would like to take this opportunity to share some information on overseas safety measures.

The situation in the Middle East remains tense, and there is the possibility of unforeseen incidents occurring in regions outside the Middle East. Moreover, Japanese nationals traveling or residing abroad may face various risks, including natural disasters, theft and robbery, and travel-related accidents.

Gathering information before departure is a fundamental element of safety measures, both to avoid potential risks at one’s destination and to minimize the impact should any difficulties arise.

From this perspective, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has revised its overseas safety manual, the Kaigai Anzen Tora no Maki. While this manual is issued on a near-annual basis, the latest edition has been updated to be more reader-friendly. As it compiles specific examples of potential troubles that may arise overseas, along with guidance on how to address them, we believe it will serve as a valuable resource for gathering information before departure.

The contents are also available on MOFA’s Overseas Safety website, and we encourage everyone to review them and take all possible safety measures while travelling abroad.

Radio France, NISHIMURA: Regarding the situation in the Middle East, there has been a significant development this evening. President Trump had previously set a so-called deadline, but this appears to have changed suddenly. How does MOFA view this development?

Press Secretary KITAMURA: I believe the Chief Cabinet Secretary has already addressed this matter today. To date, MOFA has been making diplomatic efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including efforts toward the early de-escalation of the situation, and has been supporting the diplomatic efforts among the countries concerned. We view positively and welcome the respective announcements by Iran and the United States regarding their intention to engage in negotiations.

As we have repeatedly stated, what is most important at this moment is to ensure the safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and, together with that, to work toward the early de-escalation of the situation. MOFA will therefore continue its diplomatic efforts and intends to engage in broad communication and close cooperation with the countries concerned.