Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
Prime Minister Abe is scheduled to visit Turkey, the Philippines, and Malaysia from November 13 to 23. In Turkey, the Prime Minister will visit Istanbul and is also scheduled to attend the G20 Antalya Summit. In addition, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Manila, the Philippines, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-related summit meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In Turkey, the Prime Minister will hold a summit meeting with President Erdogan with the aim of further strengthening bilateral friendly relations between Japan and Turkey. At the G20 Summit, also in Turkey, it is anticipated that discussions will take place on issues including the global economy, investment, and trade. In addition, at the APEC leaders’ meeting in the Philippines, discussions are planned to take place on topics including promotion of regional economic cooperation and promotion of small and medium enterprise (SME) participation in regional and global markets. At both the G20 Summit and APEC Meeting, Prime Minister Abe will explain the efforts that are being made in the “Second Stage” of Abenomics, and also make a statement about Japan’s measures relating to global issues and promotion of economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. At the ASEAN-related summit meetings in Malaysia, discussions will be held on topics including the strengthening of the East Asia Summit process and the regional and international situation, including the South China Sea issue. Prime Minister Abe will explain Japan’s measures with regard to various regional issues and contribute to discussions in the meetings.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On a different topic, I have a question concerning Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations. Currently foreign ministry director general-level consultations are taking place between Japan and the ROK in Seoul and while I believe that one of the major topics will be the comfort women issue, this is the first such round of consultations to be held since the recent Japan-ROK summit meeting at which it was agreed to accelerate consultations between the two countries. What do you expect will be discussed in these consultations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, in the current director general-level talks it is anticipated that discussions will take place on issues of mutual interest, based on discussions at the recent Japan-ROK summit meeting. Furthermore, with regard to the comfort women issue, in the recent summit meeting the leaders agreed to accelerate talks in order to conclude them as promptly as possible, bearing in mind the fact that this year is the milestone year of the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-ROK relations. The current consultations are being held on the basis of this agreement.

(Abridged)