Press Conferences

Kyodo News, ICHIKAWA: I would like to ask about the situation in Iraq. The U.S. forces-led Coalition forces that had been stationed in Iraq for a mop-up operation against the extremist organization “Islamic State (IS)” have completed their withdrawal. First, what are your thoughts on the end of the U.S. military presence in Iraq, which had continued intermittently since the Iraq War of 2003? Second, stabilizing security remains a challenge in Iraq. Japan has provided assistance to support Iraq’s reconstruction as well as economic and social stability. I would like to ask for the Minister’s views on what role Japan hopes to play in contributing to the stability of Iraq and the Middle East region.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu: The Iraq War commenced on March 20, 2003. I was State Minister for Foreign Affairs at the time. Just before March 20, I visited Baghdad and held a meeting with then Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz. In May, after intense hostilities had temporarily subsided, I visited Baghdad again and considered how Japan could support the reconstruction. Looking back, I have a deep sense of reflection.

On September 30 local time, U.S. Central Command announced that, having concluded its mission to counter the extremist organization IS, U.S. forces had completed the withdrawal of from Iraq. I would like to express my deep respect for the many years of efforts of the U.S. and Coalition forces to mop up terrorist organizations.

In Iraq, following the elections for the Iraqi Council of Representatives last November, a new government headed by Prime Minister Al-Zaidi was formed in May this year. Going forward, I believe it is important that continued efforts be made to maintain domestic security in Iraq under the Al-Zaidi government, and that the international community as a whole support these efforts.

Japan has consistently supported Iraq’s reconstruction and stabilization since the Iraq War of 2003, based on the recognition that the stability in Iraq is the key to peace and stability in the Middle East. In Iraq, there are roads, hospitals, power facilities, and various other facilities that Japan constructed in the past, and Japan has supported recovery and reconstruction while making use of these facilities. Going forward, by strengthening relationship with the new government, Japan will continue to support Iraq’s further stabilization and development in various ways and contribute to peace and stability across the Middle East region.

Asahi Shimbun, OGI: I would like to ask about Japan-China relations. Former Foreign Minister IWAYA recently visited China as President of the Association for the Promotion of International Trade and held meetings with Vice Premier He Lifeng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, among others. China’s Xinhua News Agency reported that, during the meeting with Mr. Wang, Mr. IWAYA referred to the “four political documents,” including the Japan-China Joint Communique. I would like to ask the Minister to reconfirm the Government of Japan’s position and views on the “four political documents.”

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: To date, in Japan and China formulated the 1972 Japan-China Joint Communique, which was agreed upon between then Prime Minister TANAKA and Premier Zhou Enlai, which was followed by the 1978 Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship between Japan and China, the 1998 Japan-China Joint Declaration, and the 2008 Japan-China Joint Statement on Comprehensive Promotion of a “Mutually Beneficial Relationship Based on Common Strategic Interests.” The position of the four documents as the basic documents underpinning Japan-China relations has remained unchanged.

Japan-China relations are currently in a difficult situation. Nevertheless, there is no question that Japan and China both bear significant responsibility for peace and stability in the region. It is precisely because there are concerns and issues between Japan and China that it is all the more important to communicate with each other at various levels.

Hokkaido Shimbun, YOSHIDA: It will soon be one month since the monument commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Japan was unveiled in Khabarovsk in Russia’s Far East. I would like to ask a question related to this. The monument depicts a Soviet soldier destroying a boundary stone engraved with the chrysanthemum crest. On the grounds that the chrysanthemum crest is a symbol of Japan, the Government of Japan has been calling on the Russian side to remove it. I would like to ask what specific steps Japan has taken over the past month, and how the Russian side has responded. I understand the monument has not been removed as of yet. What actions will the Government of Japan continue to take?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: Regarding the matter you have raised, we have repeatedly expressed that it is extremely regrettable. Based on this position, Japan has consistently called on the Russian side through diplomatic channels to remove the monument.

I would like to refrain from going into the details of the diplomatic exchanges. That being said, it is extremely regrettable that Russian side has not complied with our request for removal at this stage. We will continue to take various opportunities to persistently urge the Russian side.

Chugoku Shimbun, SHIMOTAKA: I have a question regarding Russian President Putin’s statement on the possible use of nuclear weapons. On October 1, at a conference held in the suburbs of Moscow, President Putin stated that in the event of a direct attack on Russia, the use of all available weapons against European countries would be on the table, suggesting that he would not rule out the use of nuclear weapons. The statement could be interpreted as the President referred to nuclear weapons as a threat. Please share with us how the Government of Japan, a country that has suffered atomic bombings, views this statement.

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: This is not the first time. We are aware that Russia has repeatedly made statements suggesting the possible use of nuclear weapons in the context of its invasion of Ukraine, including the President Putin’s statement you mentioned.

As the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings during war, Japan believes that Russia’s nuclear threats, let alone the use of nuclear weapons, are unacceptable. From this standpoint, Japan is deeply concerned by Russia’s statements suggesting the possible use of nuclear weapons. We will continue to convey this position to Russian side at every opportunity, while also clearly communicating it to the international community.

Pan Orient News, Azhari: My question is a little bit specific. Japan’s oil imports from Arab countries have decreased sharply over the last three months, driven by instability in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Japan has shifted its supply chain to prioritize increased imports from the United States. My question is specifically: How is Japan addressing the Houthi attacks on Saudi oil exports and facilities, because Saudi Arabia provides Japan with major oil supplies? And also, what is your perspective on the role of Saudi Arab in ending the war against Iran initiated by Israel and the United States?

Foreign Minister MOTEGI: This is not an issue that concerns only Japan. The series of attacks by the Houthis has destabilized the entire region, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea, which are of critical importance to the international community as a whole from the perspective of energy security. Japan is deeply concerned about this situation and has continued to strongly denounce these attacks by the Houthis.

I myself have directly conveyed Japan’s position to the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Yemen. I have also called on Iran to urge the Houthis to exercise restraint.

With regard to the situation surrounding Iran, we consider it extremely important that Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, play mediating and other roles aimed at an early de-escalation and stabilization of the situation.

I visited Saudi Arabia and Oman in August and confirmed that Japan and the respective countries will work together toward the early stabilization of the entire Middle East region, including the situation regarding Iran.

Yesterday, I held a telephone call with Foreign Minister Araghchi immediately after his return to Iran. Today, a short while ago, I had a thorough exchange of views on the latest developments with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed, who is currently visiting Japan.

Going forward, Japan intends to continue its persistent diplomatic efforts in close coordination with the international community, including Arab nations, while also working to foster momentum within the international community to advance negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.