Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question about stock prices. The historic losses suffered by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in yesterday’s Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election might have been expected to rattle the stock market. However, stock prices today have remained calm. What is your view on this point?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from commenting on behalf of the Government about stock market trends. In any event, with regard to the economy, corporate earnings are at their highest level ever and a positive economic cycle is being generated. The Government’s stance is that the entire Cabinet will work humbly, steadfastly, and with a sense of urgency to address each internal and external challenge and produce results, while maintaining a policy of prioritizing the economy, in order to gain the trust of the people of Japan.

REPORTER: You have just stated that the Government will prioritize the economy, so are you relieved that the markets and stock prices have remained calm today?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We had no concerns in that regard.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question on a different topic. I understand that arrangements are being made with a view to holding a Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) trilateral summit on the sidelines of the G20 Hamburg Summit. The ROK has indicated that it is seeking to engage in dialogue with North Korea. What points will the trilateral summit be seeking to confirm?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from making any speculative comments about the contents and agenda of the Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral summit meeting. In any event, I believe it is important to demonstrate the strong solidarity of the three countries domestically and internationally. To date the three countries have already agreed to step up pressure on North Korea and call on China to play a greater role.

REPORTER: Japan is also dealing with the abductions issue. Does the Government intend to request cooperation from the United States and the ROK with regard to this issue?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In previous Japan-U.S.-ROK trilateral summits we have explained Japan’s stance about the abductions issue and have gained both countries’ understanding. Both countries appreciate that this is an issue of top priority for Japan.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: It has been reported that the “2+2” meeting (Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee meeting), originally agreed to be held on July 14, has been postponed. Could you tell us the facts behind these reports?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Nothing has been confirmed at this stage about the date of the next “2+2” meeting and it is not true that a decision had been made. Arrangements are currently being made with the United States to hold a meeting in the near future.

(Abridged)