Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question regarding Japan-ROK relations. Some media reported that the foundation established in the Republic of Korea (ROK) for the purpose of providing support for the former comfort women requested the Government of Japan to send a letter of apology in the name of Prime Minister Abe to the women victims and others. Has the Government received such a request?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, I am aware of the news reports. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on each and every news report. In any case, it is critically important that the two sides steadily implement the agreement reached at the end of last year regarding the comfort women issue.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject. This morning Japan time, Prime Minister Abe who is visiting New York held a meeting with Ms. Clinton, the Democratic Party presidential candidate. I understand that she requested the meeting. According to the briefing by Japan, the topics they discussed included the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and Ms. Clinton outlined her principle, known, basic position. As far as what I know from the news reports, Ms. Clinton has been expressing opposition to TPP. Can you once again explain why Japan needs to aim for the early conclusion and swift approval of TPP?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First, as you all know, the TPP Agreement will create a free and fair single economic space by establishing new common rules fit for the 21st century for the Asia-Pacific region. This will create a vast market comprising approximately 40% of the world’s GDP and 800 million people. Furthermore, the TPP Agreement has strategic significance in that countries and regions that share fundamental values, such as freedom, democracy, basic human rights, and rule of law, will deepen their economic ties and that circle will widen further and further, contributing to the stability of the region so to speak. This is the reason that Japan joined the TPP. In New York, where the Prime Minister is visiting, the Prime Minister communicated this significance of TPP clearly in his address at the seminar entitled, “Investment Opportunities in Japan toward the New Asia-Pacific Era.” In order to realize these effects brought about by the TPP Agreement as quickly as possible, Japan will lead the efforts to increase momentum for its early entry into force. In any case, during the extraordinary session of the Diet, the Government will make its strongest efforts to obtain swift approval of the TPP Agreement and to achieve the early passage of relevant legislation.

(Abridged)