Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
(Abridged)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about President-elect of the United States, Mr. Donald Trump. Given Mr. Trump’s praise for President Putin of Russia, there are indications that the new administration may seek to improve U.S.-Russia relations. Can you explain your views regarding this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As the administration of President-elect Trump will be inaugurated next year, I do not think that I should make any comment at the current time about the concepts of the incoming administration prior to its inauguration, or its foreign policy concerning a third country.

REPORTER: I have a related question, as it is anticipated that U.S.-Russia relations will change with the inauguration of the administration of President-elect Trump, do you think that this change will have a positive impact on Japan-Russia relations?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: For the past 70 years of the postwar period a situation has prevailed in which Japan and Russia have yet to conclude a peace treaty. The Government believes that in order to achieve a breakthrough in this abnormal situation it is necessary to continue to advance political dialogue between Japan and Russia. Japan has maintained close communication with the United States with regard to our stance on Russia, including at meetings at the leader and foreign minister level. During the administration of President Obama we will continue to maintain close communication on this issue and after the inauguration of the new administration of President-elect Trump there will be absolutely no change in this policy of continuing to maintain close contact.

(Abridged)