Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&A
REPORTER: I have a question about Okinawa. The Japanese and U.S. Governments held a meeting of the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee and agreed to conduct a planned transfer of exercises by Ospreys located at U.S. Air Station Futenma to mainland Japan and outside of Japan. This is the first transfer of exercises outside of Japan. What is your view of this development from the standpoint of alleviating burden on Okinawa?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We reached agreement in the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee meeting held today to create a framework for moving exercises by Ospreys assigned to U.S. Air Station Futenma outside of Okinawa Prefecture as an effort to alleviate the base burden incurred by Okinawa. Specifically, the two sides agreed to move Japan-U.S. joint training and U.S.-only training that involves the participation of Ospreys from U.S. Air Station Futenma to other parts of Japan outside of Okinawa Prefecture and areas under U.S. control and prepare and coordinate a plan for moving exercises by the two sides and complete the negotiations by April. The Government expects this framework to reduce time stationed and the length of exercises for Ospreys assigned to U.S. Air Station Futenma, and thereby contribute further to alleviating burden on Okinawa. I have been told that the first exercise transfer based on today’s Japan-U.S. agreement will be exercises handled in Guam for about three weeks starting on September 12.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Do you expect implementation of this effort to alleviate burden to broaden understanding in Okinawa of the transfer of Air Station Futenma to Henoko?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government intends to do everything it can and present it in a concrete manner. This approach is the basis for the agreement between Japan and the United States this time.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about the relationship between Japan and Saudi Arabia. At a JETRO Seminar attended by  Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Mr. Hiroshige Seko, this morning, Saudi Arabia’s minister encouraged proactive investment by Japanese companies in non-energy areas too. How does the Government intend to support this type of activity? Also, what type of relationship does Japan want to build with Saudi Arabia?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Prime Minister Abe is currently holding a meeting with H.R.H. Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. While energy will certainly be a topic, I believe they are also discussing a variety of interactions between Japan and Saudi Arabia, including manufacturing and small- and medium-sized enterprise-related measures in the economic field as well as initiatives in a wide range of other areas, such as human resource development and sports advancement.