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Monday, June 2, 2014 (PM)
Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)
[Provisional Translation]
Q&As
- The Chairman of the State Duma of Russia’s visit to Japan
REPORTER: I believe this is an issue that came up in this press conference the other day, but Mr. Sergey Naryshkin, Chairman of the State Duma of Russia, is scheduled to arrive in Japan today. Mr. Naryshkin is one of the people subject to sanctions implemented by Europe and the United States, such as the freezing of assets. Is anyone in the Government, including yourself, scheduled to meet with Mr. Naryshkin?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am aware that Mr. Sergey Naryshkin, Chairman of the State Duma, is visiting Japan to attend the opening ceremony for the Russian Culture Festival. There are no plans for anyone in the Government to meet with Mr. Naryshkin.
REPORTER: This visit is timed directly ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit. Does the Government not have any concerns about the timing of the visit?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Rather than timing, the Russian Culture Festival is an event that has been planned for some time before. As it is for cultural purposes, I do not see any problem whatsoever for Mr. Naryshkin to attend the opening ceremony.
REPORTER: I have two questions. As was already mentioned, Mr. Naryshkin is one of the persons subject to sanctions. What impact do you think allowing such a person to visit Japan will have on relations with other G7 nations?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Mr. Naryshkin is not the subject of Japanese sanctions.
REPORTER: I would like to ask another question. My other question is, with President Putin scheduled to visit Japan in the autumn, what are the Government’s thoughts on how to advance Japan-Russia relations from now?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I should mention that Mr. Naryshkin is not visiting Japan at the invitation of the Government of Japan on this occasion. I would like to avoid any misunderstanding on that point. What was your other question?
REPORTER: With President Putin scheduled to visit Japan in the autumn, what are the Government’s thoughts on how to advance Japan-Russia relations from now?
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, Japan is committed to responding to this issue in cooperation with the other G7 nations. At the current juncture, absolutely nothing has been decided with regard to the visit to Japan by President Putin.
(Abridged)
