Press Conferences

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: I would like to make two announcements at the outset.

The first concerns passage through the Strait of Hormuz by a Japan-related vessel. Today, a Japan-related vessel, which was detained in the Persian Gulf, passed safely through the Strait of Hormuz and exited the Persian Gulf. This vessel, with three Japanese crew members on board, is currently navigating toward Japan.

As a result of this passage, all the Japan-related vessels with Japanese crew members on board have exited the Persian Gulf. The Government of Japan has been coordinating with Iran for this passage.

In light of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Iran, the Government of Japan intends to continue making every diplomatic effort toward the swift reestablishment of free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the early realization of the passage through the Strait for the remaining 37 Japan-related vessels as well. I am greatly relieved to see these developments.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The second announcement is a bit of an administrative matter, but it concerns the revision of visa fees. At today’s Cabinet meeting, the Government of Japan decided to partially amend the Cabinet Order that sets visa fees and related matters. The amendments are scheduled to take effect on July 1.

Under these amendments, the fee for a single-entry visa will be revised from the current JPY 3,000 to JPY 15,000, while that for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa will be revised from the current JPY 6,000 to JPY 30,000. The new visa fees will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1, the same date on which the passport fee reduction takes effect under the recently amended Passport Act.

That concludes my opening remarks.

Kyodo News, ONDA: The bills to conclude ACSAs with the Philippines, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, submitted by the Government to the Diet, were passed at the plenary session of the House of Councillors. With regard to the Philippines in particular, bilateral cooperation has been rapidly deepening. Against this background, could you please share your view on the significance of the approval of ACSA for Japan-Philippines relations? In addition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan voted in favor of the ACSAs for the first time. This suggests that understanding of these initiatives is expanding across party lines. I would also like to ask your thoughts on this development.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: At the plenary session today, the House of Councillors approved three ACSAs and the Treaty between Japan and Canada on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. As a result, all Ministry of Foreign Affairs-related treaties submitted to the current Diet session have been approved. I would like to express my gratitude for the deliberations conducted at the Diet.

As for your question regarding the Philippines, amid the increasingly severe international situation, we have strengthened security and defense cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the Philippines, which is situated at a strategic point along sea lanes and shares fundamental values and principles.

The Japan-Philippines ACSA establishes a framework, including the settlement procedures for the provision of supplies and services between the Self-Defense Forces of Japan and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We believe that the early entry into force of the agreement will not only contribute to Japan’s national security but also will enable us to more actively contribute to the peace and security of the international community, including the Indo-Pacific.

I believe that the approval of this ACSA today with broad support, as you noted, reflects a growing understanding of the significance of such agreements. We will continue our efforts to provide thorough explanations.

Hokkaido Shimbun, MURAKAMI: I would like to ask about the G7 Summit held in France. In the joint statement on geopolitical issues, the G7 leaders concurred on expanding support for Ukraine and increasing economic pressure on Russia. During the session related to Ukraine, Prime Minister TAKAICHI reportedly emphasized that Japan values G7 unity and coordination in encouraging Russia to take positive and concrete actions immediately. I would like to confirm whether it is correct to understand that Japan will continue its sanctions against Russia. Could you also share your perspective on the possibility of Japan imposing additional sanctions going forward?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: As I have repeatedly stated, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order. Japan strongly urges Russia to take positive and concrete actions toward an early comprehensive ceasefire and the realization of a just and lasting peace. Based on this consistent position, Japan has been addressing this matter in close coordination with the international community, including at G7 fora.

At the same time, as for your question regarding sanctions against Russia, Japan will continue its sanctions in coordination with the G7. This is Japan’s basic position, and we will take appropriate actions accordingly.

Jiji Press, KINOSHITA: I would like to ask about the personnel decision regarding the Ambassador to Indonesia. At today’s Cabinet meeting, the Government approved the appointment of Mr. UENO Atsushi, the current Ambassador to Cambodia, as the Ambassador to Indonesia. When the previous Ambassador retired last November, this position was left temporarily vacant due to factors related to the inauguration of the new administration. Could you please explain why the position remained vacant for more than six months and whether this vacancy had any impact during that period? Could you also share the reasons for the appointment of Mr. UENO?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: We do not believe that there were any significant impacts. Regarding the reasons why the ambassadorial position remained vacant, I would like to refrain from responding as it is a personnel matter and involves diplomatic communications.

In any case, even during the Ambassador’s absence, I believe the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia performed its duties, including proactive and vigorous diplomatic activities, under an appropriate structure led by Chargé d’Affaires ad interim MYOCHIN. With regard to Mr. UENO, the new ambassador, I recall that he was Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission in China during my previous tenure as Foreign Minister. He worked tirelessly as the head of the operation to evacuate Japanese nationals from Wuhan, and I believe he is a person of great initiative. Indeed, he is a seasoned diplomat who has held a number of important positions, including his current post as Ambassador to Cambodia. Indonesia is a Comprehensive Strategic Partner that shares fundamental values and principles with Japan. I look forward to new Ambassador UENO playing an even more active role and to further strengthening Japan-Indonesia cooperation.

Kyodo News, ONDA: I would like to ask about the evacuation of Japanese crew members from the Strait of Hormuz you mentioned in your opening remarks. They were stranded there for an extended period. Could you please tell us whether you were briefed on their health conditions? Second, I believe you have held seven telephone calls with the Foreign Minister Araghchi. Now that all Japanese crew members have departed from the Strait, could you once again share your reflections and assessment of your discussions with Foreign Minister Araghchi?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: We have not received any reports of serious health issues among the crew members. However, given that they were stranded for such a long period, I can only imagine that they must have endured the considerable hardship, both physically and mentally. I have always believed that it is of the utmost importance to have the crew members exit the Persian Gulf as soon as possible.

During my telephone calls with Foreign Minister Araghchi — I cannot go into details as they are diplomatic communications —I repeatedly raised the need to ensure the free and safe navigation of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, including Japan-related vessels, and I believe the Iranian side fully understood the importance of this matter.

Asahi Shimbun, MIYAWAKI: I would like to ask about the visa fee increases you explained at the outset. While they are substantial increases, it has been pointed out that Japan’s visa fees have been low compared with those of other countries. Could you please tell us about the significance and purpose of the fee increases?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: The current visa fees were established in 1978. The Government of Japan has recently revised them in order to reflect inflation over the years and changes in exchange rates. We raised the fees after considering potential impacts and other factors, and do not expect this revision to immediately affect, for example, inbound tourism.