Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As

REPORTER: Prime Minister Abe will be attending the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games. Could you please share with us an update on the current status of the arrangements of the Japan-ROK summit meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, circumstances permitting, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Republic of Korea (ROK) to attend the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games to be held on February 9 and offer encouragement to Japanese athletes. With regard to the Japan-ROK summit meeting, the meeting is scheduled to take place before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, at a hotel near the venue of the opening ceremony. All other details regarding the itinerary are currently being arranged.

REPORTER: There have been some media reports that a Japan-U.S.-ROK summit-level meeting might also be held. Could you please comment on the possibility of such meeting?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of that.

(Abridged)

REPORTER: I would like to return to the topic of the Pyeongchang Olympic Games. A Japan-ROK summit meeting is set to take place. At the summit meeting, will the Government request the ROK’s steady implementation of the Japan-ROK agreement, which Prime Minister Abe himself has mentioned?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As I have stated numerous times, the Government’s position is that we have no intention of budging an inch on the Japan-ROK agreement. As this agreement is an agreement between two countries, it is absolutely unacceptable for the ROK to unilaterally request further measures. Needless to say we will strongly urge the ROK to steadily implement the agreement. With regard to North Korean issues, I expect it will be confirmed that greater pressure would be placed on North Korea using a variety of means, in order to compel North Korea to change its policies.

REPORTER: You noted that in addition to the Japan-ROK summit meeting, all other details regarding the itinerary are still being arranged. What arrangements have been made with respect to whether this will be a day trip or an overnight stay?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The detailed itinerary including such matters are currently being arranged.