Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question about Japan-Republic of Korea (ROK) relations. President Moon Jae-in of the ROK has indicated that he intends to begin work on examining the Japan-ROK agreement on comfort women that was concluded at the end of 2015. As it is anticipated that a Japan-ROK summit meeting will be held at the G20 Hamburg Summit next month, how does the Government intend to approach the ROK with regard to this matter at the G20?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, if both leaders attend the G20 Hamburg Summit, it has been agreed in principle that a summit meeting will take place. However, the specific schedule for the meeting is currently being arranged and no firm date has been set as of today. I would therefore like to refrain from speculating about the potential topics for discussion at a Japan-ROK summit meeting. In any event, the agreement reached at the end of 2015 was agreed upon by both Japan and the ROK. It is also valued by the international community and Japan considers that it is important to steadily implement the agreement. We will continue to use every opportunity available to call on the ROK to fulfil its commitments and ensure the implementation of the agreement.

(Abridged)