Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to change the subject. I have a question regarding the Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit. It has been reported that the Government proposed to China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) about holding this trilateral summit in Tokyo in late July. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, we intend to arrange the trilateral summit to be held in Japan as quickly as possible. However, the exact timing and other details have not been decided at this point in time.

REPORTER: So is my understanding correct that at this time there is no proposal to host the meeting in late July?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: No specifics have been determined at this point in time.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding a completely different topic. A university student from the United States who had been detained in North Korea will be released, according to news reports. Based on The Washington Post’s report, I understand this student will be flown back to the United States after a stop in Hokkaido. Have you heard anything about this?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I have no knowledge of this matter at this time. I am aware of the news reports. I would first like to welcome his release.