Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Japan-ROK relations

REPORTER: I understand that Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Saiki of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be visiting the Republic of Korea (ROK) from today. To the extent possible, can you please explain what the aim of this ROK visit is and with whom Vice-Minister Saiki will be meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yes. On July 11 and 12, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Saiki will visit Seoul, ROK to exchange opinions on the Japan-ROK relationship, North Korea issues, among other matters, with 1st Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Kyou-hyun and other officials. Vice-Minister Saiki will also pay a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs Yun Byung-se and exchange opinions with Senior Secretary to the President for Foreign Affairs and National Security Ju Chul-ki. That is my understanding.

REPORTER: The Japan-ROK foreign ministers' meeting the other day was held for the first time in nine months. Is the Vice-Minister's visit to the ROK in response to the foreign ministers' meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We understand that during the recent foreign ministers' meeting, the two sides agreed to maintain close communication. Therefore, as an extension of this, I believe that the two sides will communicate on the variety of issues which exist between Japan and the ROK.