Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: First, I have an announcement regarding the visit to Japan by H.E. Dr. Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Director General Grossi will visit Japan next week, from June 23 to June 26.

The IAEA plays an indispensable role in ensuring nuclear non-proliferation and in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, which are important pillars of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). For maintaining and strengthening the NPT regime, Japan attaches great importance to the IAEA’s efforts. On the occasion of Director General Grossi’s visit to Japan, I am scheduled to hold a meeting with him. During the meeting, I intend to have an in-depth discussion on enhancing cooperation between Japan and the IAEA toward maintaining and strengthening the NPT regime, as well as confirming the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, among other matters. I also intend to confirm our continued close cooperation.

Since we have this opportunity, I would like to exchange views on the situation in Iran as well.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, ONDA: I would like to ask about the situation in Iran. On June 15, a senior U.S. government official told reporters that both the U.S. and Iran had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the cessation of hostilities. You have been directly briefed on the details of the agreement through yesterday’s telephone calls with Iran and other parties concerned. Could you please tell us your assessment at this stage and your expectations for the forthcoming talks on the nuclear issue? I would also like to ask your views on the necessity of sending Self-Defense Force (SDF) vessels for minesweeping in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the current status of the Government’s considerations on this matter.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Immediately following yesterday’s agreement between the U.S. and Iran, I held telephone calls in a very timely manner with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Dar of Pakistan, which has played a central role among the mediating countries, as well as with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and a short while ago with Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar.

In each of these calls, by which I mean those held with Pakistan and Iran, both countries provided detailed explanations of the course of events leading to the agreement and the outlook of the forthcoming talks between the U.S. and Iran, among other matters. On my part, I expressed deep appreciation for the diplomatic efforts made by the countries concerned, and we confirmed that we will continue to work closely and maintain close communication so that a final agreement on matters such as Iran’s nuclear issue can be achieved as soon as possible.

Going forward, once a final agreement is reached, Japan intends to contribute as much as possible toward the realization of peace and stability throughout the Middle East, as well as toward the region’s recovery and reconstruction.

That being said, at this stage, it remains unclear what the recovery and reconstruction needs will be or how large the scale will be. Therefore, nothing concrete has been decided regarding Japan’s response, including the dispatch of the SDF.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: In light of the recent agreement between the U.S. and Iran, will the Government of Japan consider lowering the Travel Advisory level for the GCC countries from the current Level 3, which advises against all travel there?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: At least, I do not expect the level to be revised before June 19. Regarding the Travel Advisory for the GCC countries, we will closely monitor the regional situation, including the progress in the implementation of the MoU agreed upon between the U.S. and Iran, and make appropriate judgments accordingly.