Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question concerning the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) between Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Could you tell us what progress was made towards conclusion of the agreement in the consultations that were held in Tokyo today? According to press reports in the ROK the agreement was provisionally signed today, so can we assume that Japan and the ROK have agreed on the details?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At the current point consultations between Japan and the ROK are still continuing in Tokyo.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Could you tell us about the outlook for the consultations and whether a provisional signing is anticipated? Also, if an agreement is concluded it will then need to go through the required processes in both countries. Could you tell us about the anticipated schedule going forward, including when a Cabinet decision on the agreement will be made and when a formal signing with the ROK will take place?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As consultations are still ongoing I would like to refrain from making any comment about the outlook. However, both countries recognize that it is of the utmost importance for Japan and the ROK to cooperate in responding to North Korean nuclear and missile issues. In addition, the Government is seeking to further enhance Japan-ROK cooperation in security-related areas, including the early conclusion of this agreement.

REPORTER: In a meeting with the mayor of Nagasaki I believe that you received a request concerning a research facility for infectious diseases. Could you tell us the details of your discussions?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: With regard to the development of a facility for research into infectious diseases that is said to be currently under consideration by Nagasaki University, given the vital importance of such a facility in terms of national crisis management, I requested the cooperation of the vice governor of Nagasaki Prefecture and the mayor of Nagasaki City. Upon receiving this request, both the vice governor and mayor asked for confirmation about measures to ensure safety and the formation of a structure to enable third-party checks. I responded that the Government would seek to take all possible measures in this regard. It was also confirmed in the meeting that the prefecture and city governments will continue consultations with Nagasaki University concerning this matter and that the national government will also be actively engaged.

REPORTER: So are we to understand that the Government is positively considering the request?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government’s stance is that this facility is extremely important from the perspective of national crisis management. In the meeting I noted that it is necessary to proceed quickly concerning this matter and in response the vice governor and the mayor stated that they would continue consultations with Nagasaki University. I thanked them for their cooperation.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Residents in the vicinity of the facility have expressed concerns. How will the Government respond to such people?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have already noted, the Government will engage in all possible measures with regard to safety and it was this point that I conveyed to the vice governor and the mayor in today’s meeting. This is a vital facility for the nation from the perspective of crisis management.