Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: This February, Prime Minister Abe received an invitation from the United States Government to pay an official visit to the U.S. Based on coordination between the two sides following this invitation, Prime Minister Abe will, circumstances permitting, visit Boston, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Los Angeles in the U.S. from April 26 to May 3. The Prime Minister will stay in Washington D.C. from April 27 to 30 and will attend official events, including a Japan-U.S. summit meeting. Last April, Japan welcomed President Obama as a state guest. Prime Minister Abe’s official visit to the United States, which follows President Obama’s visit, is deeply meaningful in showing the robust Japan-U.S. Alliance to the world.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). There have been certain media reports that with regard to AIIB, the Obama administration of the United States made a proposal to China about co-financing projects with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Based on these U.S. developments, can you once again explain your position regarding whether or not Japan will join the AIIB?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: While I am aware of the media reports, I am not aware of the details. Japan has raised a number of issues regarding the new bank, including the issue of its arbitrary nature. Because of these issues, it may be difficult to join. It remains completely unchanged that Japan is reviewing this matter carefully.