Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
(There was a statement on the overview of the Cabinet meeting and others.)

At the National Security Council meeting and Cabinet meeting today,  it was decided that the Prime Minister approved the anti-piracy operations by the Self-Defense Forces off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden to be extended for one more year.  Efforts to ensure the safety of maritime transport are essential not only for the Japanese economy and society as well as the lives of the Japanese people, but also for the peace and prosperity of the international community. The Government will continue to fulfil this important responsibility.

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: President Trump of the United States will arrive in Japan on Sunday this weekend, and on the following day,  November 6th, a summit meeting will be held. Can you please explain the results the Government expects for the summit meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: President Trump will pay an official visit to Japan from November 5 to November 7. During the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, it is expected that there will be a frank, deep discussion between Prime Minister Abe and President Trump on what should be done by Japan and the U.S.;  Japan, the U.S., and the Republic of Korea;  and the international community to make North Korea change its policies in light of the current situation in the country. It is also extremely important to gain the understanding and cooperation of the United States for the earliest possible resolution of the abductions issue, which is a matter of utmost priority for the Abe administration. I believe it is highly significant that Japan-U.S. cooperation will be deepened through the meeting   between President Trump and the families of the abductees. In addition, we expect to once again show the world the strong bond of the Japan-U.S. Alliance through the visit of President Trump.

REPORTER: I have a related question. On Sunday, the day prior to the summit meeting, Prime Minister Abe and President Trump will play golf. Can you please explain the significance of the two leaders informally playing golf together?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is my understanding that golf between the leaders has not been officially announced.

REPORTER: Preceding President Trump’s visit to Japan, Ms. Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the President of the United States, will arrive in Japan later today. Can you please explain again the expectations for Ms. Trump’s visit?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Ms. Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the President of the United States, will arrive in Japan today, and tomorrow on November 3 she will attend a special event at the World Assembly for Women (WAW! 2017), where she will give a keynote speech about the participation of women in economic fields and women’s  entrepreneurship. Ms. Trump is actively engaged in initiatives to support women entrepreneurs and promote the empowerment of women, and as one of the most recognized people in the world today her activities are highly regarded. The Government has high hopes that Ms. Trump’s participation in WAW! will lead to meaningful discussions in the conference, and that it will lead to growing interest in the empowerment of women among the people of Japan.

Excuse me, please allow me to correct a previous statement. The golf scheduled for Prime Minister Abe and President Trump has already been announced. In any event, I believe it is important that trust between the two leaders will truly be further heightened through playing golf together, even if it is only a brief period of time.