Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
The Honorable Barack H. Obama, former President of the United States of America, will pay his first visit to Japan after leaving office as President from March 24 to 25. On March 25, former President Obama is scheduled to hold a meeting over lunch with Prime Minister Abe.
 
Q&As
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding Prime Minister Abe’s meeting with former President Obama that you just mentioned. Mr. Obama, former President, has already left the presidency. Could you tell us the reason why Prime Minister Abe has decided to hold such meeting?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Former President Obama served as President of the United States for eight years, and during that time Prime Minister Abe met with former President Obama on numerous occasions. Given that the former President would be coming to Japan, the Prime Minister proposed holding a luncheon meeting. There is no special meaning at all behind this.
 
REPORTER: What topics will the Prime Minister and the former President exchange views about at their meeting?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: As Mr. Obama has left the presidency, I would expect that it would be a luncheon meeting to renew their old friendship.
 
REPORTER: I would like to ask a question regarding the Prime Minister’s plans for overseas visits. Some media sources reported that the Prime Minister intends to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan during the holiday period that will start in late April. Could you tell us the facts and the status of the arrangements?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At this point in time nothing has been decided with regard to Prime Minister Abe’s overseas visits during the holiday period in late April and early May.
 
REPORTER: Does that mean the visits are under consideration?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: It is as I have just explained.
 
(Abridged)