Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
(There was a statement on the overview of the Cabinet meeting.)
 
While we are still going through the relevant procedures, Prime Minister Abe is visiting Mar-a-Lago in Florida, United States from today to April 20, and will extensively hold a series of summit meetings with President Trump over two days. During these meetings, with regard to North Korea in particular, Prime Minister Abe hopes to confirm once again that Japan and the United States are 100% together, and demonstrate the unwavering tie of the Japan-U.S. Alliance to the world, closely coordinating with President Trump the actions to be taken prior to the inter-Korean Summit and U.S.-North Korea summit meeting. In addition, we hope that having dialogues in a relaxing atmosphere, including talks during dinner and a round of golf, would provide an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship of trust between the two leaders.
 
Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: In your opening statement, you spoke about the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States and mentioned that there would be a dinner, golf and so on. Could you please elaborate on the details such as when they will play golf? Could you also explain what significance you attach to having conversations over a round of golf?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: On the occasion of the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States, the two leaders would exchange views extensively on a range of topics while playing golf together. We hope this would serve to further deepen the friendship and relationship of trust between the two leaders.
 
(Abridged)