Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to ask about the situation in North Korea. I understand that Prime Minister Abe and President Trump of the United States exchanged views regarding the North Korean situation in their telephone talk last evening. October 10 is the anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Based on previous anniversaries, it is expected that North Korea will engage in further provocations on this day. Can you explain again the Government’s responses?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Prime Minister held a telephone talk with President Trump of the United States from 10 pm yesterday for approximately 12 minutes. The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the victims of the shooting incident in Las Vegas, and stated that all the people of Japan are with the people of the United States 100 percent during this difficult time. In response, President Trump thanked the Prime Minister for the heartwarming comments, and that “Shinzo” is his true friend. In addition, the two leaders agreed that dialogue with North Korea for the sake of dialogue is meaningless, that it is important for the international community as a whole to continue to apply maximum pressure on North Korea, and that Japan and the United States will work together closely. Furthermore, the leaders stated that they are both looking forward to the President’s visit to Japan and that they will continue to coordinate the arrangements. The fact that the Japanese and U.S. leaders are able to hold telephone talks frequently in this way is a sign that the personal relationship of trust between the leaders has reached an extremely high level. A robust Japan-U.S. Alliance of this nature is of utmost importance for securing the peace and security of Japan and the region.

REPORTER: I have a related question. Some media have reported that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council is expected to adopt a resolution condemning North Korea and that the Government of Japan prepared the draft text of this resolution. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, various discussions are now taking place at ICAO, and the Government would like to refrain from commenting on their specific details. Having said that, I would like to add that North Korea has not complied at all with the international rules set forth by ICAO, and has conducted outrageous acts by repeatedly launching ballistic missiles without giving prior notice. The Government will work closely with the countries concerned to ensure the safety of international civil aviation and lead the discussions at ICAO. Additionally, the Government will strongly urge North Korea to fully adhere to these international rules, and through such measures, will change the actions and policies of North Korea.

(Abridged)