Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Fujimura

• The Liaison Meeting on the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation at the Prime Minister's Office

The first meeting of the Liaison Meeting on the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation at the Prime Minister's Office is being held today. Japan has backed the integration and development of ASEAN in many fields, including by making contributions to peace building in Cambodia, infrastructure development through official development assistance (ODA) and support for natural disaster recovery. At its establishment, ASEAN consisted of only five members but has now grown to include ten nations making major contributions to the stability and prosperity of the region, including Japan. We believe that this success is the fruit of our contribution and it is essential that it is carried on to the next generation. This liaison meeting has been formed as we soon celebrate the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan exchange in 2013, and just before the ASEAN-related summit meetings take place in mid-November. Taking this opportunity, a meeting hosted by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saito is currently taking place to strengthen Japan-ASEAN relations with the participation of personnel from relevant ministries and agencies. The 40th anniversary logo and slogan were decided at today's meeting, which I believe have been distributed to everyone here today. At the meeting it was also announced that suggestions for anniversary projects would be open to the public and it was decided that all ministries and agencies are to work together to implement measures to enhance Japan-ASEAN relations.

Q&As

• The Liaison Meeting on the 40 th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation at the Prime Minister's Office
• Japan-China relations
• Japan-Russia relations

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Prime Minister's Office Liaison Meeting concerning ASEAN. Could you please tell us why the meeting was formed at the Prime Minister's Office and whose idea it was?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: In addition to Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saito, the Cabinet Secretariat has been discussing it for a while now. Today's first meeting, a director-general level meeting, was organized by the office of the Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary under the leadership of Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saito with the participation of relevant ministries and agencies. I believe discussions taking place include the establishment of a secretariat, while today's meeting is part of the preparations for next year.

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question on the same topic. I believe that Asian and ASEAN relations are matters Prime Minister Noda views as being important. How much influence did the Prime Minister have on the establishment of the meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Prime Minister Noda, of course, views Japan-ASEAN relations as very important and therefore has made a number of comments on the topic. For instance, overseas deployment of integrated infrastructure systems is largely provided for the support of ASEAN. The Liaison Meeting on Global Communication in the Government of Japan has also placed an emphasis on ASEAN, and as of this year we have an ambassador (extraordinary and plenipotentiary) to ASEAN. In this sense, it was the initiative of the Prime Minister that has been progressing important matters of the Japan-ASEAN relationship.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: The Communist Party's National Congress in China commenced today and it looks like there will be a transition of leadership. Could you please share with us how the Japanese Government is planning to build a relationship with Mr. Xi Jinping who is said to take a hard-line against Japan related issues?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: I will have to refrain from responding to speculation. I have been informed that the National Congress will take place from today onwards, so I am hoping to remain informed of the progress but it will not affect our stance of maintaining close communications with China from a broad perspective.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question with regard to the Prime Minister's visit to the Russian Federation. I believe that the Government has attempted to schedule a visit before the end of the year, however it has been reported that Russia has made an approach to encourage the postponement of the visit until after the New Year. Could you share with us the progress and facts of these arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: Firstly, a visit with a rough target of December was agreed upon at the APEC summit in Vladivostok. However, as for a specific date on which the Prime Minister will make the trip, as it is a matter concerning both parties, we are currently arranging a timing that would be most appropriate for both countries.

REPORTER: On the same topic, am I right to understand that Russia has made an approach to encourage the postponement of the visit by the Prime Minister until after the New Year?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY FUJIMURA: The scheduling is currently being arranged and I do not wish to comment on the details of day-to-day administration.

(Abridged)