Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved three general measures, a cabinet order, and personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the findings of the "Survey on Securing Effective Competitiveness in of Contracts: Focusing on Service Contracts." The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology made a statement concerning personnel affairs relating to the heads of national university corporations.

Q&As

• The issues related to West Futenma Housing Area in Okinawa
• The issue related to the media report on Japan-North Korea talks in Hanoi

REPORTER: Regarding the post-return issue of West Futenma Housing Area in Okinawa, it has been reported in media that a Japan-U.S. center for new pharmaceuticals would be built in the area. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The local government of Ginowan City is now in the process of preparing a basic plan regarding the returning site usage of the West Futenma Housing Area. I have been informed that in addition to a housing area and a park, the introduction of sectors as features of the city, such as medicine and tourism, is being reviewed. The usage of the returning site in this area is an important issue. On the part of the Government, in order to support the efforts of Okinawa Prefecture and Ginowan City, relevant ministries are working together to conduct studies of the returning site's usage. I am also aware that as one of the site's usage, there is a proposal for the development of new pharmaceuticals by harnessing various medical data. We will be examining the feasibility of the implementation of the project, among other matters, while bearing in mind the interest of Okinawa Prefecture and Ginowan City.

REPORTER: About this facility for the development of new pharmaceuticals, will Japan and the United States be running it jointly?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government will be studying the feasibility of the project implementation, bearing in mind the interest of Okinawa Prefecture and Ginowan City.

REPORTER: It was reported in media that Japan-North Korea talks took place in Hanoi in Viet Nam a few days ago. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware of the media reports. However, there is no such fact. The Abe administration is committed to resolving the abduction issue with its own hands. Based on the firm determination of the Prime Minister, the administration is taking all possible steps while exploring a range of possibilities.

(Abridged)