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 and others)
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: At today’s Cabinet meeting, it was approved that H.E. Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and his spouse, Madam Nguyen Thi Hien, will be received as guests on a state visit from May 29 to June 2. During their stay, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will hold an audience with President Quang and Madam Hien and host a state banquet in their honor. In addition, Prime Minister Abe will hold a meeting with President Quang and host a dinner in President Quang and Madam Hien’s honor. There have been very active exchanges of dignitaries between Japan and Viet Nam. For example, last year, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress visited Viet Nam for the first time. In addition, Prime Minister Abe visited Viet Nam twice and Prime Minister Phuc visited Japan as well. Japan and Viet Nam also share deep economic ties and are working to expand people-to-people exchanges. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries and a state visit by President Quang and Madam Hien to Japan on this occasion is a highly significant opportunity for further deepening our extensive strategic partnership.  
 
(Abridged)
 
Q&As
 
REPORTER: I have a question about the dismantlement of the nuclear test site by North Korea. It announced that it will dismantle its nuclear test site at Punggye-ri sometime between May 23 and 25. Given that the Government is seeking the dismantlement of such nuclear facilities in a complete, irreversible, and verifiable manner, what kind of verification method would be desirable? Would the Government request an inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for example?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Government considers North Korea’s ongoing efforts to abandon its northern nuclear test site to be another positive development, following on from the recently-held inter-Korean summit. Furthermore, it is also important that we elicit further concrete actions by North Korea through the upcoming U.S.-North Korea summit meeting towards the dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. In that regard, it is also essential to make use of the IAEA’s information, experience and knowledge on verification to ensure the irreversible dismantlement of all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs by North Korea. The Government intends to coordinate closely with the United States and other relevant countries, and thoroughly consider and implement the most effective means of verification, towards the complete denuclearization of North Korea.
 
REPORTER: Does that mean that if the verification is not conducted by the IAEA, the Government would not regard it as denuclearization?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I believe it is extremely important to make use of the IAEA’s information, experience and knowledge on nuclear inspections.
 
(Abridged)