Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, I would like to give an overview of the Cabinet meeting. The meeting approved two general measures as well as personnel decisions. With regard to statements by ministers, the Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications made a statement concerning the 2014 White Paper on Information and Communications in Japan and Prime Minister Abe made a statement concerning acting Ministers while Ministers in charge are away on an overseas visit.

In ministerial discussions, Minister Furuya made a statement concerning the damage caused by Typhoon No. 8.

If scheduling permits, Prime Minister Abe is planning to visit Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Colombia, Chile and Brazil between July 25 and August 2, and will hold meetings with the leaders of those countries. Incidentally, this will be the first time in 10 years for a Japanese Prime Minister to visit Mexico, the first time ever for Trinidad and Tobago and Colombia, the first time in 18 years for Chile, and the first time in 10 years for Brazil. In Trinidad and Tobago, the first summit meeting between Japan and the Caribbean Community, which consists of 14 countries and 1 region, will be held. Furthermore, in São Paulo, Brazil, the Prime Minister is planning to deliver a speech on Japan's policy for Latin America and the Caribbean. The importance of Latin America and the Caribbean to the Japanese economy continues to grow due to its role as a global manufacturing hub, growth market, and resource supplier. Moreover, Latin America and the Caribbean, with which Japan shares basic values such as freedom, democracy and rule of law, are important partners for contributing to the peace and prosperity of the international community. The Japanese Government hopes that the visits will enable Japan to further strengthen relations with the various countries. We also hope that during the tour, we will be able to exchange opinions on a broad range of topics, including regional affairs and issues faced by the international community, to expand cooperation and deepen relationships.

Q&As

• The relocation of the KC-130 aircraft from Futenma to Iwakuni

REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the KC-130 aircraft. I believe that the relocation of the KC-130 aircraft from Futenma Air Station in Okinawa to Iwakuni Air Base commenced today. Could you once again share with us the objectives of the relocation and what the Government intends to do to reduce the burden placed on Okinawa?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: From today, we will steadily commence the relocation of 15 of the U.S. forces' KC-130 aircraft from Futenma Air Station to Iwakuni Air Base. This means that the majority of the KC-130 aircraft currently deployed at Futenma Air Station will be based in a location outside of Okinawa. We believe our efforts to reduce the burden placed on Okinawa have resulted in concrete results. The Government will of course steadily advance the relocation of the aircraft to Iwakuni Air Base. In addition, we will make every effort to reduce the burden placed on Okinawa and eliminate the dangers presented by Futenma Air Station in particular. This will include the relocation of training exercises for Osprey aircraft to a location outside Okinawa.

REPORTER: In relation to the relocation of Futenma Air Station, on July 11 the Okinawa Defense Bureau sent a consultation letter to the Okinawa prefectural government concerning the sea floor survey for the landfill approval in Henoko. Some believe this is a sign that the sea floor survey will commence sometime soon. What are the Government's thoughts on the timing?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In relation to the construction of an alternative facility for Futenma Air Station, I believe that the permit application and other documents were sent to the Okinawa prefectural government on July 11. I have also been informed that the necessary preparations are currently being made to facilitate the commencement of the sea floor survey. I ask you to contact the Ministry of Defense for the details. In any case, following Governor Nakaima’s recent approval of the landfill in Henoko for the replacement facility for Futenma Air Station, the Government will continue to work to reduce the burden placed on Okinawa. At the same time, we will make every effort to realize the return of Futenma Air Station as soon as possible and we will continue to make steady efforts to move forward with the relocation to Henoko as scheduled.

(Abridged)