[Provisional Translation]
(Reporter)
I am Noguchi with TBS. Prime Minister, you will shortly depart for the United Kingdom, Italy, and France to attend the G7 Summit. Energy security in light of the escalating situation in the Middle East and economic security with China in mind are expected to be among the key topics. How do you view the significance of your summit meetings with the leaders of the United Kingdom and Italy, as well as the G7 Summit, and what outcomes do you hope to achieve? Could you also update us on the status of arrangements for meetings with world leaders, including U.S. President Trump, on the margins of the Summit? If a Japan-U.S. summit meeting takes place, what role does Japan intend to play in helping to ease tensions surrounding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz?
(Prime Minister Takaichi)
Thank you very much.
I will shortly depart for the United Kingdom and Italy, and then travel to France to attend the G7 Evian Summit.
I previously held summit meetings with Prime Minister Starmer of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Meloni of Italy during their visits to Japan. This time, based on the latest developments, I would like to exchange views on issues such as the situation in the Middle East, the situation in Ukraine, and developments in East Asia. In addition to the security cooperation that Japan is already advancing with both countries, I also hope to engage in thorough discussions on further strengthening cooperation in areas such as AI, quantum technologies, space, semiconductors, and offshore wind power, including advanced technology development and the strengthening of supply chain resilience.
As for France, this will be my first G7 Summit as Prime Minister. At the Evian Summit, in addition to discussing responses to geopolitical crises such as those in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Indo-Pacific,I would like to engage with the other leaders in frank discussions on pressing issues including energy security based on free trade and the rule of law in light of the situation in the Middle East, cooperation to stabilize markets, and strengthening supply chain resilience for critical minerals and other strategic materials. I hope to demonstrate that the G7 remains united and committed to leading international efforts to address global challenges.
Specifically, with regard to energy security, I intend to present three proposals: first, that the G7 and other like-minded countries work together to oppose and counter unjustified export restrictions; second, that we strengthen support for crude oil stockpiling in Asia and other regions and enhance cooperation with the International Energy Agency (IEA); and third, that we strengthen cooperation between oil-producing and oil-consuming countries in order to neutralize coercive actions. Through these proposals, I hope to expand the principles of POWERR Asia, which Japan is currently leading, to the broader international community.
Regarding critical minerals, I also intend to propose that Japan take the lead in supporting the establishment of stockpiling systems among G7 members, as well as a framework for coordinated stockpiling that would link these national systems together.
As the leader advocating for Asia, I intend to actively communicate Japan's position and initiatives, including from the perspective of the Indo-Pacific. I greatly look forward to the intensive and substantive discussions among leaders that are characteristic of the G7.
You also asked about bilateral meetings. We have received several requests for meetings on the margins of the Summit. However, at this point, no arrangements regarding the timing or counterpart countries have been finalized. In any case, should opportunities arise for bilateral meetings with fellow leaders, I hope to achieve meaningful outcomes through frank exchanges of views.
Thank you very much.