Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

(Abridged)

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Dr. Hani Al-Mulki, Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Jordan, will pay a working visit to Japan from July 12 to 15. Prime Minister Abe will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Al-Mulki. The leaders will discuss matters including the bilateral relationship and the regional situation. Prime Minister Al-Mulki will hold talks with government officials and others during his stay in Japan. Jordan is a cornerstone of stability in the Middle East region and is a vital country. We expect that the favorable bilateral relationship will be further deepened through the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). As I also asked you this morning, an agreement on the EPA’s fundamental elements is set to be reached as an outcome of the negotiations between Japan and the European Union (EU). It is expected that the two sides will carry out a final check at the Japan-EU Summit this evening. The negotiations have resulted in the future abolition of tariffs on Japanese automobiles, among other achievements. On the other hand, the creation of a low-tariff import quota for cheese has already raised concerns among the dairy industry in Hokkaido due to the possible impacts on the industry. What is the view of the Government regarding the need for domestic measures if the agreement is reached?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Conversely, it is also true that this agreement will have considerable benefits for consumers. For many years barriers have stood in the way of reaching the Japan-EU EPA. Due to the efforts made by everyone involved, however, we are now at the stage where the leaders can aim to carry out a final check today. Needless to say we will take sufficient measures for the members of the dairy industry. In this context, we are engaging in the negotiations while also coordinating with our party.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Could you please tell us what specific measures the Government is considering if any?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The details are now being finalized in the negotiation process. We will carefully explain the scope of our measures once an official decision has been made and once a direction has been decided.

(Abridged)