Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding this morning’s summit telephone talk with President Trump (of the United States). Prime Minister Abe held a summit telephone talk with President Trump this morning. Did the two leaders have in-depth discussions on the denuclearization of North Korea, and if so, could you please tell us what was discussed?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the two leaders confirmed once again that, at the upcoming U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting, they are to urge North Korea to take concrete actions for the dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including biological and chemical weapons, and ballistic missiles of all ranges in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. As these are discussions held between two leaders, I would like to refrain from elaborating any further on the details.
 
REPORTER: I have a related question. The Joint Declaration of the Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit announced yesterday does not refer to the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea, or the so-called “CVID.” Some note that this could send a wrong message to North Korea. Could you please share the views of the Government?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Your comment does not apply here at all. Firstly, with regard to the situation in the Korean Peninsula, the Joint Declaration makes clear that Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea (ROK) would cooperate on the resolution of the North Korean issues, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions. These UNSC Resolutions refer to the s abandonment of WMDs, including nuclear weapons, and ballistic missiles, by North Korea, in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. In addition, Japan, China and the ROK also agreed to work together; your comment does not apply here anyway.
 
(Abridged)