Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA:

(Abridged)

During today’s Cabinet meeting, the Cabinet approved the invitation for an Official Working Visit to Japan of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Mrs. Renzi of the Italian Republic. They will visit Japan from August 2 to 4. On August 3, Mr. and Mrs. Renzi will be received in audience by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. Also on August 3, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold talks with Prime Minister Renzi and will host a dinner. In 2016, Japan will assume the G7 presidency. In addition, 2016 will mark the 150th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy. With this in mind we expect that, on the occasion of Prime Minister Renzi’s visit to Japan, meaningful discussions will take place on deepening bilateral relations, including cooperation towards reaching a general agreement on the Japan-EU economic partnership agreement (EPA) by the end of this year, and on the international community’s contribution to peace and stability. 

Q&As

(Abridged)