Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has decided to bear up to 280 million yen to cover the expenses of the North Korean delegation to the PyeongChang Olympic Games. While the ROK has also paid for the expenses of North Korean delegations to the international tournaments it has hosted, this is the largest amount ever financed by the Government of the ROK. Can you please share your views on whether such action, even if it is just covering the expenses of the delegation attending the Olympic Games, could run counter to the moves to strengthen the international pressure on North Korea?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the Government of Japan appreciates that the ROK and North Korea cooperate with each other to make the Games a success and materialize its participation in the Olympic Games. Meanwhile, given the necessity to strengthen pressure on North Korea, I believe that the international community should avoid any action that would weaken the pressure on North Korea. In addition, it goes without saying that the United Nations Security Council resolutions related to North Korea must be fully implemented. To deal with the North Korean issues, the Government is closely working with the ROK bilaterally as well as among Japan, the United States and the ROK. With regard to the matter you have just noted, we will coordinate our responses among Japan, the United States, and the ROK, while obtaining sufficient information from the ROK.
 
(Abridged)