Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: On a different topic, the Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) foreign ministry director general-level consultations have recently concluded in Seoul. The consultations were held based on the instructions from the leaders of the two countries following the summit meeting, to accelerate consultations in order to conclude them as promptly as possible. What sort of progress was made concerning matters of concern to both countries, including the comfort women issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, although I would like to refrain from commenting on the details, I have received a report that discussions will continue on various issues, with both sides emphasizing their own positions while making efforts to identify areas where differences in position can be accommodated. With regard to the next round of consultations, it was agreed that arrangements will be made to hold them as soon as possible. I have received a report that the recent consultations covered overall Japan-ROK relations, including the indictment of the former Seoul bureau chief of the Sankei Shimbun newspaper, the trial over the requisitioned civilians from the Korean Peninsula, the tightening of regulations on Japanese marine product imports, the Takeshima issue, and the comfort women issue.

(Abridged)