Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• The Japan-ROK relations
• The White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism hosted by U.S.

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) bilateral currency swap arrangement. Earlier, both Governments made the announcement to the effect that they would let the agreement expire. Although it has continued from 2001 to 2014, why is it ending now, or rather, why is it not being renewed at this stage?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: On today, February 16, authorities in Japan and the ROK agreed to end the bilateral currency swap arrangement according to schedule on February 23. Agreement was also reached regarding bilateral cooperation between Japan and the ROK on such matters when the need arises, as well as the holding of the 6th Japan-Korea Finance Dialogue on May 23 in Tokyo. My recognition is that this decision was reached from a purely economic and financial viewpoint.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject and ask about the recent murder of Japanese nationals. During the council meeting of the Government and ruling parties held earlier, the Government announced that State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakayama would be dispatched to the White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism, which the United States will be hosting this week on February 19. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakayama is also heading the Local Response Headquarters, so I wanted to ask about what the aim of dispatching him is.

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SEKO: The White House Summit on Countering Violent Extremism, which is hosted by the United States, is an international ministerial-level summit centering on countering violent extremism, which is a contributing factor in the recruitment of foreign terrorist combatants to the “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” (ISIL). High-level delegates from many countries have been invited and are projected to attend, including senior representatives from the G7 countries and international organizations. For Japan as well, this Summit is an enormously important opportunity to work together with the international community to further contribute to counter-terrorism efforts. At the present time, we are making arrangements with the related parties for the dispatch of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Nakayama. 

(Abridged)