Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: The G7 Foreign Ministers’ Hiroshima Declaration on Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation has been issued. What impact does the Government hope this declaration will have on moves toward nuclear disarmament?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, it is my understanding that at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Hiroshima a frank exchange of opinions has taken place among the G7 countries, which share common values and principles, concerning pressing issues confronting the international community as well as major regional situations. With regard to terrorism and violent extremism and the refugee crisis, it is vital to take mid- to long-term initiatives towards the building of tolerant and stable societies that do not foster violent extremism. Based on these perspectives, the G7 nations agreed to utilize their respective strengths and proceed with initiatives in a mutually complementary way and in a manner that generates synergistic effects. On regional situations, the Foreign Ministers confirmed their intent to bolster collaboration as the G7 in dealing with conditions in the Middle East and the situation in Ukraine. Furthermore, the Foreign Ministers also discussed circumstances in Asia that have seen actions that undermine the stability of the international order, which include North Korea’s nuclear test and ballistic missile launches, and unilateral changes to the maritime status quo that raise tensions. Disarmament and non-proliferation face difficult conditions at this point, and cooperation is required between nuclear weapon states and non-nuclear weapon states. The unified issuance of a message to the international community by the G7, which contains both types of countries, is very important in order to revitalize international momentum for the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons. Given this thinking, I believe that the issuance of the Hiroshima Declaration sends out a strong message on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Specific results from the Hiroshima Foreign Ministers’ Meeting are, in addition to the Hiroshima Declaration, a Statement on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation and a Statement on Maritime Security. It is my belief that the G7 succeeded in sending a strong message to the international community and the Government intends that the results of the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will contribute to the success of the Ise-Shima Summit.

REPORTER: I have a related question. John F. Kerry, Secretary of State of the United States of America also proposed that the ministers visit the Atomic Bomb Dome today, which was not originally on the itinerary. What kind of message do you think this visit has sent out to the world?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly it is my understanding that the G7 foreign ministers said that they were moved and were left with a very strong impression of their visit. I believe that the ministers were able to further deepen their understanding about the realities of the atomic bombing. In that sense the visit was extremely significant and based on the Hiroshima Declaration the G7 will engage in efforts towards the realization of a world free of nuclear weapons.

REPORTER: You stated in this morning’s press conference regarding the visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park that you hoped that the foreign ministers would be able see for themselves the realities of the atomic bombing and take time to reflect. What is your own frank impression of the visit today?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Given that the foreign ministers said that they were moved and were left with a very strong impression of their visit, I believe that the visit today helped to further deepen understanding about the realities of the atomic bombing. In order to create a world free of nuclear weapons it will be important for the G7 to work together and uphold the Hiroshima Declaration.