Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Tomorrow, February 11, is National Foundation Day. I would like to announce that in marking this occasion, the Prime Minister has decided to issue a message, as he did last year. The issuance of the message on this holiday is intended to broadly communicate the purpose of National Foundation Day among the public, and celebrate and share this with the Japanese people. In the message, the Prime Minister expresses appreciation for the efforts made by those who have gone before us, and renews his determination towards building a better nation.

Q&As

• The issue of the new ODA Charter

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the new ODA Charter. I understand that in accordance with a Cabinet decision made today, aid for foreign militaries may be permitted, provided it is of a non-military nature. Given that the Middle East is one of the focal regions, is the Government not concerned that this gives extremist groups like the “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” (ISIL) an excuse to target Japan?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we have not designated the Middle East as a focal region. There is nothing in writing to suggest that that is the case. No focus is placed on the Middle East or any other region. With that said, to date Japan has provided humanitarian assistance in the Middle East in areas such as food and medical care, and as the Prime Minister recently announced, we will further expand our assistance. We will continue with our efforts in the Middle East to date, while also thoroughly expanding assistance. There is no change in our stance.

(Abridged)