[Provisional Translation]
(Reporter)
I am Urago from Kyodo News. Madam Prime Minister, you have just held a summit telephone call with President Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye. What views did you exchange on the situation in the Middle East?
I am Urago from Kyodo News. Madam Prime Minister, you have just held a summit telephone call with President Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye. What views did you exchange on the situation in the Middle East?
(Prime Minister TAKAICHI)
A short while ago, from 5:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, I held a summit telephone call with H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, which plays an important role in the Middle East.
A short while ago, from 5:30 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, I held a summit telephone call with H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, which plays an important role in the Middle East.
At the outset, I expressed my gratitude to President Erdoğan for his message of sympathy regarding the Kumamoto Earthquake. I then stated that, toward strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Japan and Türkiye, I would like to further develop cooperation in such areas as education, security, and the economy, including through the opening of the Turkish-Japanese Science and Technology University (TJU) this autumn.
With regard to the situation in Iran, I expressed my high appreciation for Türkiye’s efforts to play a mediating role and stated that Japan would continue to work closely with Türkiye and the international community and persistently make every possible diplomatic effort.
I also emphasized the importance of ensuring free and safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without any additional costs.
President Erdoğan stated that our views on the Strait of Hormuz were entirely aligned. He also expressed his desire to further advance cooperation between our two countries across a broad range of fields, including economic security.
Building on today’s exchange of views, Japan will continue to work closely with Türkiye not only on bilateral relations but also on regional and international affairs.
That is all.
(Reporter)
I am Masuda from Nikkei. Thank you for taking my question. Madam Prime Minister, the Trump administration announced on August 18 that it had designated Judge AKANE Tomoko, President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for sanctions. Japan has consistently supported the ICC. What is the Government’s assessment of the U.S. announcement, and how does it intend to respond going forward?
I am Masuda from Nikkei. Thank you for taking my question. Madam Prime Minister, the Trump administration announced on August 18 that it had designated Judge AKANE Tomoko, President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), for sanctions. Japan has consistently supported the ICC. What is the Government’s assessment of the U.S. announcement, and how does it intend to respond going forward?
(Prime Minister TAKAICHI)
With regard to President Akane of the ICC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement by its Press Secretary a short while ago. I consider the announced measures to be very unfortunate.
With regard to President Akane of the ICC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement by its Press Secretary a short while ago. I consider the announced measures to be very unfortunate.
The Government will continue to respond to this matter while maintaining communication with the United States and other related countries.