Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Australia’s submarines. It has been reported that yesterday, Australia communicated to Japan that it would not be selected. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Australian Government is carrying out evaluations to select its partner for Australia’s submarine program and will subsequently make a decision. The Australian Government has yet to announce its formal decision. We have not received such notification. I would like to refrain from commenting at this point in time.

REPORTER: I have a related question. This project would constitute the first large-scale arms export for Japan, and I gather that it has significance for Japan-U.S.-Australia defense cooperation. Can you once again comment on its importance?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As a formal decision has yet to be announced I would like to refrain from making comments.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Today marks exactly one month until the Ise-Shima Summit. What is the current status of the preparations, including the arrangements with the other G7 members?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, for the purpose of preparing for the Ise-Shima Summit, arrangements are being made for the Prime Minister to hold talks with the leaders of the G7 members and organizations in Europe during the holiday period in early May, subject to the Diet’s approval. I expect that the leading theme of the May summit will be responses that take into account the present global economic situation, and Japan has a critically important role to play in this as the President of the G7. As the President, Japan will demonstrate leadership by sending out a clear message that contributes to the sustainable and robust growth of the global economy. In addition, we look forward to having candid discussions regarding the various issues facing the world, including foreign policy and security issues, such as the issues of North Korea and terrorism, climate change, and development issues. Furthermore, Japan will shed light and steer the efforts of the international community on issues in which Japan has been exercising leadership, including the realization of a society in which all women shine, quality infrastructure, and health. As the summit is being held in Asia for the first time in eight years, we will also have extensive discussions on the issues concerning Asia.

REPORTER: I have a related question. I imagine that the leading theme would be the world economy. What kind of message will the G7 be sending out?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: So as I said, it is critically important that the message contributes to the sustainable and robust growth of the world economy.

REPORTER: My question is slightly related to the previous question. The Russian Government announced that the Prime Minister would hold talks with President Vladimir Putin on May 6. Is it correct to understand that the Prime Minister will hold talks with President Putin? That is my first question. Secondly, if so, what is the aim of the talks?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We hope to make such arrangements subject to the Diet’s approval.

REPORTER: The two leaders have held talks multiple times so far. Can you once again briefly explain the aim of the talks if they are arranged?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the arrangements have yet to be finalized, the Government should refrain from commenting at this point in time.