Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Prime Minister’s visit to the Australia

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Prime Minister Abe held a meeting with Prime Minister Abbott of Australia. The two leaders formally agreed on the Japan-Australia economic partnership agreement (EPA) and the joint development of defense equipment. How does the administration assess the achievements of today’s Japan-Australia summit meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: During his current visit to Australia, I believe Prime Minister Abe is, scheduled to attend dinners with Prime Minister Abbott on three nights. I am sure this will give the leaders an opportunity to forge mutual trust. I understand Prime Minister Abbott has also established an occasion for Prime Minister Abe to deliver an address at the Parliament of Australia, which will be the first time for a Japanese Prime Minister to do so. There is no doubt that Japan and Australia, as countries sharing the same values, will deepen bilateral trust through these exchanges between the two leaders.   

REPORTER: What is your view regarding the impact of the Japan-Australia relationship on the security of Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to security, as I stated moments ago, Japan and Australia are countries that share the same values. We will continue to work in very close cooperation to ensure that we share the same fundamental values, such as freedom, equality, and prosperity. Furthermore, the Government hopes that the Prime Minister’s visit to Australia will also serve as an opportunity to deepen partnerships at the private sector level.