Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
(Abridged)

REPORTER: Changing topic, I believe a Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) Director-General-Level Meeting took place today. Do you have any updates on the content of the meeting?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: I heard that Mr. Kimihiro Ishikane, Director-General of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, and Mr. Chung Byung-won, Director-General for Northeast Asian Affairs for the ROK, who is currently visiting Japan, broadly discussed a variety of matters related to Japan and the ROK this morning. They confirmed that the two countries will collaborate even more closely in light of the repeated provocative actions of North Korea, and they also conducted a frank exchange of opinions on follow-up to the agreement between Japan and the ROK related to the comfort women issue from the end of last year. I was also told that they agreed to make arrangements for the specific schedule and other aspects of the next meeting. 

REPORTER: This is a related question. Regarding the agreement between Japan and the ROK, was something resolved on the specific timing for establishment of a foundation and other activities?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: It was reported to me that they agreed on the importance of steady and quick follow-up on the agreement related to the comfort women issue from the end of last year.

REPORTER: This related. Was there any progress on removal of the comfort women statue located in front of the Embassy?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: I was not told anything in particular about this.

REPORTER: This is also related. Regarding the foundation, the ROK side aims to establish it as soon as June. In this case, what are your thoughts about the timing of Japan’s allocation of one billion yen to the project?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: I am aware that various preparatory procedures are moving forward in the ROK and that Japan has promised to provide funding to the foundation. Therefore, I expect Japan to make an allocation once the conditions have been put in place. The specific timing is not being discussed at this point.

REPORTER: I have another question. What is your view of the impact on the agreement between Japan and the ROK by the ROK’s recent general election and the resignation of Chief of Staff Mr. Lee Byung-kee?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: I would like to refrain from making comments on the ROK’s election results or matters of internal politics. Nevertheless, I believe former Chief of Staff Mr. Lee Byung-kee has contributed greatly to Japan-ROK relations over a lengthy period, including his time as the ROK Ambassador to Japan. However, I do not expect his resignation to affect the agreement between our countries. The main point is both countries implementing the agreement in a responsible manner. While I am not aware of Me. Lee Byung-kee’s next appointment, he has many close friends in Japan and I personally look forward to his activities as a civilian who can serve as a bridge in Japan-ROK relations in a positive sense.

REPORTER: This is a related question. I think that there is a plan for a Japan-China-ROK Summit Meeting hosted by Japan this year and that Ms. Park Geun-hye, the President of the ROK, will be visiting Japan for the first time for this event. Can we expect some progress by the Japanese Government on the comfort women issue by then? 

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY: As I have repeatedly stated, an agreement already exists and various procedures have begun and we are not setting a specific deadline. Japan is the chair country this year and intends to hold a Japan-China-ROK Summit Meeting in Japan at the suitable timing. I do not anticipate efforts to reach a conclusion on something specifically to fit this timing.

(Abridged)