Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

• Drone that landed on the roof of the Prime Minister’s Office
• Asian-African Summit 2015

REPORTER: With regard to the drone that landed on the roof of the Prime Minister’s Office, could you tell us the background to its discovery and the Government’s subsequent response?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have received a report that this morning at 10:27 a.m. a member of staff discovered what was thought to be a drone on the roof of the Prime Minister’s Office and informed the police. As the police are currently investigating the details I would like to refrain from any further comment. In any event, as this is a matter that concerns the Prime Minister’s Office, an establishment at the core of national government administration, in addition to the police conducting a thorough investigation, the Government will also make a thorough response in terms of crisis management.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On a different topic, I have a question concerning the speech by Prime Minister Abe to the Asian-African Summit in commemoration of the Bandung Conference. In his speech the Prime Minister stated his resolve that Japan will work together with the countries of Asia and Africa in building peace and prosperity, and also expressed deep remorse over the past war. Can I ask for your impressions concerning the speech?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The countries of Asia and Africa are continuing to develop as a center for global growth and this conference was the first time in ten years for the leaders of these regions to gather together. At the conference the Prime Minister engaged in discussions with the leaders of these regions about the ways and means of cooperating towards the promotion of global peace and prosperity. He also highlighted the results of cooperation between Asia and Africa to date, and set out measures for the future. Recalling the Bandung spirit of 60 years ago, the Prime Minister noted that living together and tackling things together would result in the regions prospering together, for which Asian-African unity is of great importance. The Prime Minister also stated that Japan, with feelings of deep remorse over the past war, made a pledge to remain a nation always adhering to the principles that were confirmed in Bandung 60 years ago, no matter what the circumstances. In that sense I believe that the speech by the Prime Minister demonstrated Japan’s stance of cooperating with the countries of Asia and Africa and contributing to the international community.