Press Conference by the Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Nogami
President Trump of the United States of America and the First Lady will be visiting Japan from November 5 to 7 as the first stop on their visit to Asia. With the security environment in the region including North Korea becoming ever more severe, President Trump’s visit to Japan will offer a great opportunity to discuss the issues facing the international community and show to the world once again the robust bond of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. From this perspective, the Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit to Japan by President Trump and the First Lady. During their stay in Japan, President Trump will hold a summit meeting with Prime Minister Abe, and together with the Prime Minister, meet the families of the Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea.

Q&As

REPORTER: I have a question in relation to President Trump’s visit to Japan. What significance does the Government attach to President Trump’s meeting with the families of the abductees?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: The abduction issue is one of the most critical issues of the Government, and it is of utmost significance that this issue is discussed between the two leaders.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding your opening statement. With regard to President Trump’s meeting with the families of the abductees, including the parents of Ms. Megumi Yokota, may I confirm whether it was the Government of the United States that formally notified the Government of Japan of such intention?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: The Government of Japan has also just formally announced the meeting with the families of the abductees. The details are currently being coordinated as to which family members the President will be meeting.

REPORTER: Has the time and place already been decided for the meeting with the families of the abductees?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: The details are now being coordinated, including the time and place.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the Japan-U.S. economic dialogue that was held in the United States. I understand that during the briefing in the United States, Vice President Pence said he indicated strong interest in the Japan-U.S. free trade agreement (FTA). Have you been informed of the facts?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: The U.S. expressed its view regarding the Japan-U.S. FTA. However, I would like to refrain from disclosing the details of the discussion as it might concern the United States. In any event, it is important that Japan and the United States take the lead in creating regional rules by fully taking into account the situation of the Asia-Pacific region. Against this backdrop, we hope to have constructive discussions, including discussions on what framework would be best for the Japan-U.S. economic relationship.

REPORTER: You mentioned constructive discussions. Do you expect the Japan-U.S. FTA to be on the agenda of next month’s bilateral summit meeting that you announced a short while ago?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: The agenda of the Japan-U.S. summit meeting is now being coordinated. The leaders are scheduled to discuss the Japan-U.S. relationship as well as the regional situation, including North Korea.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: Does President Trump have plans to meet with His Majesty the Emperor?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: The two sides are currently coordinating the itinerary, other than what has already been announced, such as the Japan-U.S. summit meeting and the meeting with the families of the abductees which I noted earlier.

REPORTER: This gets down to the fine details, but will President Trump be paying an official visit to Japan?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: We will confirm this now.

REPORTER: I would like to return to the topic of the Japan-U.S. economic dialogue. Today’s announcement of the items that were agreed upon do not make direct reference to beef safeguards. What led to this outcome?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: Beef was also discussed at the economic dialogue. However, I would like to refrain from commenting on the details of the discussion as these were diplomatic exchanges. At today’s Japan-U.S. economic dialogue, Deputy Prime Minister Aso explained carefully the background that led to the implementation of emergency tariffs on frozen beef from the United States. Nothing was decided at today’s economic dialogue.

REPORTER: Deputy Prime Minister Aso has always talked about reviewing the implementation of safeguard mechanism. Did the Deputy Prime Minister advocate making changes to the implementation at today’s dialogue as well?

DEPUTY CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY NOGAMI: As I just stated, the Deputy Prime Minister explained carefully the background relating to the introduction of the safeguard system. I would like to refrain from making any further comments.

With regard to your question, the arrangement to receive them is now being coordinated.