Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: With regard to the issue of construction of nuclear power stations in cooperation with Japan, there have been press reports that the Government of Vietnam has indicated that it seeks to conclude an agreement with the Government of Japan. Could you tell us the facts of this matter?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Since the announcement of the Japan-Viet Nam Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia by Prime Minister Kan and Prime Minister Dung of Vietnam in October last year, Japan and Vietnam have engaged in consultations towards the realization of nuclear energy cooperation. These consultations are still ongoing between the two governments. At the current point it can only be conjectured as to whether the leaders of the two countries will exchange views on a nuclear energy agreement at the time of Prime Minister Dung's visit to Japan.

REPORTER: Putting aside the specific case of Vietnam, is it the Government's policy to continue to export nuclear energy technologies?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: As I have said on previous occasions, if a counterpart country indicates the need for technical cooperation with regard to nuclear energy, then based on our experiences of Fukushima, the Government will naturally engage in consultations. In general terms, the Government has not announced a policy that it will proceed apace with nuclear energy-related exports in the future. This is a matter that will also be discussed in the Energy and Environment Council and various discussions will continue until summer next year with a view to compiling a future nuclear energy policy for Japan.

(Abridged)