Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

In today’s Cabinet meeting, the Cabinet approved the invitation for an Official Working Visit to Japan of The Honourable Peter O’Neill, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, from October 13 to 16. During his visit, Prime Minister O’Neill will be received in audience by His Majesty the Emperor. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will also hold talks with Prime Minister O’Neill and host a dinner. Papua New Guinea, one of the major Pacific Island nations, is an important partner for Japan, and over the course of many years we have built and strengthened cooperative relations. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Papua New Guinea, and the Government hopes that welcoming Prime Minister O’Neill as an Official Guest will provide a significant opportunity to further deepen our two countries’ friendly relations.

Also in today’s Cabinet meeting, the Cabinet approved the invitation for an Official Working Visit to Japan of The Honourable Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and his spouse, from October 4 to 7. During their visit, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and his spouse will be received in audience by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will also hold talks with Prime Minister Wickremesinghe and host a dinner. Sri Lanka is located in an important position for maritime transportation, and in recent years has accomplished steady economic growth, and as such it is a critically important nation for the peace and stability of the Indian Ocean. The Government hopes that the Official Visit by the Prime Minister will further deepen the mutual ties and cooperative relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

Q&As
(Abridged)