Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Japan-ROK vice foreign ministerial-level dialogue
• The dialogue between Director-General of MOFA of Japan and U.S. Special Representative of Secretary of State for North Korea Policy

REPORTER: Yesterday, Japan-ROK vice foreign ministerial-level dialogue was held for the first time in one year and eight months. On that occasion as well, the two sides concurred on the importance of deepening dialogue. Can you once again explain the Japanese Government’s view regarding the realization of a Japan-ROK summit meeting?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: During yesterday’s Japan-ROK vice ministers’ meeting, as you just stated, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and deepening communication at a high level to make strides in the bilateral relationship. As the Prime Minister has responded time and time again at the Diet, we hope that summit meetings can be held on the occasion of various international meetings, through both sides continuing to make efforts one step at a time. The Government will strive to realize a summit meeting based on such a stance.

REPORTER: I have a related question. You made reference to international meetings. Does that mean that the Government has in mind the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit or the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting if a summit meeting was to be realized at an early date? 

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: That is not the case. A specific date has not been decided.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I understand that Mr. Davies, U.S. Special Representative of the Secretary of State for North Korea Policy, will be visiting Japan and will hold talks with Director-General Ihara in the afternoon. The Special Representative’s visit to Japan will come on the heels of his talks with the officials in charge in China and the Republic of Korea (ROK). What is the Japanese Government’s understanding of the purpose of the Special Representative’s meeting with Director-General Ihara?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: I understand that Special Representative for North Korea Policy Davies of the United States will visit Japan, and that he will hold consultations this afternoon with Director-General Ihara of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau regarding issues surrounding North Korea. During the consultations, the Government expects that an exchange of views will take place regarding the recent situation in North Korea, among other matters, and that the two sides will reaffirm their commitment to maintaining close coordination.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Special Representative Davies has expressed hopes that the Japan-North Korea consultations will proceed in an open and transparent manner. At the same time, I believe Japan is considering a visit to North Korea in the near future to move the investigations forward. Will Japan be able to obtain U.S. understanding in your opinion?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY KATO: Regarding issues surrounding North Korea, Japan has been consistently working closely with relevant countries, including the United States and the ROK. Japan has been giving explanations as appropriate to the United States with regard to the current situation of Japan-North Korea relations. As the Special Representative will be visiting Japan, we expect that during the consultations, an exchange of views will take place on wide-ranging topics, including this matter.