Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

(Abridged)

REPORTER: A senior official of the Office of the President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has stated that it would consider the possibility of a solo visit to Japan by President Moon Jae-in, if the Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit meeting is delayed. Is this true?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, as the chair of the meeting, the Government of Japan is coordinating with the Governments of the ROK and China with a view to holding the next trilateral summit meeting at an early date. The details regarding the exact timing of the meeting have not been decided at this point in time. It is true that such reports have been published under such circumstances. As for the content of the reports, however, it is not true that Japan and the ROK are making any arrangements.

REPORTER: If the Government of the ROK were to inform the Government of Japan about the ROK President’s intention to visit Japan, will the Government agree to holding a Japan-ROK summit meeting before the Japan-China-ROK trilateral summit meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from responding to a hypothetical question.

REPORTER: It has also been suggested that, one of the reasons the ROK would like to hold a summit meeting with Japan as early as possible is to encourage Prime Minister Abe to attend the Pyeongchang Olympic Games. Is the Government considering the possibility of Prime Minister Abe’s attendance at the Pyeongchang Olympic Games? What is the status of the arrangements?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We have not decided anything at this point in time.

(Abridged)