Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Prime Minister Abe will visit Seoul in the Republic of Korea (ROK) from (Sunday) November 1 to (Monday) 2 to attend a Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit meeting and other meetings. The Japan-China-ROK summit, which will be held for the first time in approximately three and a half years, will be held on November 1. The leaders are expected to give a general overview of the cooperative projects of Japan, China, and the ROK in wide-ranging areas, discuss their current situation and the future direction, and exchange views on various regional and international situations. On this occasion, the Prime Minister will hold a Japan-ROK summit meeting on November 2. In addition, final arrangements are being made to hold a Japan-China summit meeting on November 1.    

Q&As

REPORTER: This will be the first summit meeting with the ROK. Which themes do you expect to be taken up in the exchange of views?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Japan and the ROK have always had a variety of issues because we are neighboring countries. However, Japan has long stated that precisely due to these circumstances, it is critically significant for the leaders of the two countries to hold talks and have frank discussions. We hope such a meeting will be held.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: As you stated in your opening statement, a Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit meeting will be held for the first time in three and a half years. You said that wide-ranging themes would be discussed. Can you once again explain which areas in particular you hope to see progress in terms of the cooperation?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The three countries are very close, also geographically. In this sense, I imagine the economy will inevitably become the focus.

(Abridged)