Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Some media outlets have reported that Prime Minister Abe will visit six Eastern European countries next year in mid-January. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Nothing has been decided with regard to Prime Minister Abe’s upcoming overseas visits.

REPORTER: I have a question regarding the trilateral summit meeting among Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) that the Government seeks to hold at an early date. Schedule-wise   it will be difficult to hold the meeting this year with only half a month remaining. It seems even more difficult to hold the meeting next month, if the Prime Minister has overseas visits. What is the current status of the arrangements regarding the timing of the Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The negotiations are ongoing.

(Abridged)