Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Today marks the final day of the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, which is being held in Sendai. During the conference the Prime Minister has already announced the Government’s plan to provide cooperation amounting to 4 billion US dollars. How does the Government position this international contribution to disaster risk reduction, and how will you develop assistance further in the future?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, the conference has been attended by around 20 national leaders and over 100 ministers, with participants coming from 186 countries. Since March 14 last week, the participants have been engaged in vigorous discussion. We are currently making diligent efforts for the adoption of outcome documents during the plenary session to be held at 6 pm this evening. At present I would like to refrain from drawing any premature conclusions. Nevertheless, meaningful discussion has been held regarding further enhancing international cooperation, with each country sharing their insight on disaster risk reduction and reconstruction. We hope that we can adopt outcome documents based on this.