Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: The supplementary budget for FY2026 was just passed. The budget is worth a total of approximately JPY 3.11 trillion, including a JPY 2.5 trillion reserve fund for responding to the situation in the Middle East and other matters. Given that the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain, the Government intends to take timely and appropriate measures to ensure that people’s daily lives and economic activities are not negatively affected, as part of its comprehensive preparations for the future.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Yomiuri Shimbun, FUKUDA: I would like to ask about Japan’s diplomacy toward the Middle East. Following the deterioration of the situation in Iran, you have held a series of meetings with foreign ministers and other officials of the parties concerned, the mediating countries, and the Gulf States, and called for an early de-escalation of the situation, while also working to strengthen relationships with those countries. First, could you please tell us how you assess the results achieved through these diplomatic efforts? Additionally, please share your thoughts on the significance of deepening cooperation with Middle Eastern countries, looking ahead to the cessation of hostilities.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: As you pointed out, ever since the situation arose on February 28, I have held a series of talks and meetings with the parties concerned, the mediating and other relevant countries, including the Gulf States and the other G7 members. I have held more than 45 meetings, including telephone calls, with foreign ministers. Through these meetings, Japan has remained up to date on the evolving situation at each stage and has taken steps based on the latest developments.

Most recently, I held a Japan-Iran Foreign Ministers’ telephone call on May 22 for the sixth time since the situation arose. Building on that discussion, I held a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in India last week. I directly conveyed to both the U.S. and Iran the importance of de-escalating the situation.

I have also continued to cooperate closely with the mediating countries. On May 28, I held a telephone call with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. Furthermore, as you are aware, I held a Strategic Dialogue over the past two days, the day before yesterday and yesterday, with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, which is also engaged in mediation efforts. We exchanged views in depth on the current status of, and outlook for, the ongoing exchanges between the U.S. and Iran.

Through these diplomatic efforts, I believe Japan has played a certain role in creating an environment conducive to the early de-escalation of the situation.

Additionally, Japan has pursued diplomatic efforts, including engagement with Iran, to ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. To date, 21 Japanese nationals have exited the Persian Gulf, either by passing through the Strait of Hormuz on vessels that had been retained there, or by disembarking.

Prior to that, the Government assisted Japanese nationals in Iran, Israel, and the Gulf States in evacuating to safe areas. We also arranged for over 1,100 people to return safely to Japan on six charter flights. Through the efforts of the entire Ministry and our relevant diplomatic missions abroad, I believe that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs fulfilled its vital role of protecting Japanese nationals.

Through these diplomatic initiatives I have just mentioned, I feel that the relationships of trust between Japan and the countries of the Middle East have further deepened. While the situation may continue to evolve, I believe Japan has been able to remain up to date on the situation on the ground. With this in mind, even after the situation is stabilized, I believe Japan has a range of roles to play, such as supporting recovery and reconstruction efforts, to contribute to achieving peace and stability across the Middle East. We intend to fulfill these roles diligently and, in doing so, further enhance Japan’s presence in the region.