Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
REPORTER: I would like to ask about the North Korean issues. There are reports in the media that, at the recent U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, Chairman Kim Jong-un stated to President Trump that he was open to meeting with Prime Minister Abe and this statement was conveyed to the Japanese Government. Could you please confirm the facts  behind these reports?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In the Japan-U.S. summit telephone talk held on June 12, President Trump gave a briefing to Prime Minister Abe regarding his exchange with Chairman Kim Jong-un during the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting on the abduction issue. I would like to refrain, however, from making comments on the details. Japan is determined to directly engage with North Korea and resolve the abduction issue, while receiving the strong support of President Trump.
 
REPORTER: You have thus far stated that a Japan-North Korea summit meeting would be considered based on the outcome of the U.S-North Korea summit meeting. Some media reported that a Japan-North Korea summit meeting might be held in August or September. What are your thoughts on this matter?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Nothing is decided at the current time regarding a Japan-North Korea summit meeting.
 
REPORTER: Could you please explain once again the necessity of a Japan-North Korea summit meeting towards the resolution of the abduction issue?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Regarding the necessity, as I have just stated, we are currently making a wide range of efforts with the determination to directly engage with North Korea and resolve the abduction issue.
 
REPORTER: Concerning the Japan-North Korea summit meeting, is there any possibility that multiple meetings will be held, instead of a single meeting, based on the outcome of negotiations?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from answering hypothetical questions.
 
REPORTER: Has the Government already begun arrangements or negotiations with North Korea towards the holding of a Japan-North Korea summit meeting?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In any case, with regard to a Japan-North Korea summit meeting, it is of vital importance that any such meeting must lead definitely to resolution of the nuclear and missile issues, and above all the abduction issue. Japan hopes to materialize a summit meeting that leads to the resolution of these issues.
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding the U.S. Forces Korea. In the press conference after the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, President Trump stated that he intended to eventually withdraw the U.S. Forces Korea. Could you please share your view on the role the U.S. Forces Korea play in the national security of Japan, and the impact of withdrawal?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the U.S-ROK Alliance and its deterrence are playing an essential role in the security of Northeast Asia. At the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, and the press conference held thereafter, President Trump also stated that he was not considering a withdrawal or reduction of the U.S. Forces Korea at the current time. As this impacts the security of Japan and the region, we will continue to closely collaborate with the U.S. and the ROK.
 
REPORTER: It has been pointed out that, when the U.S. Forces Korea left, the presence of China, which is building up its military capabilities, would further expand in East Asia. What are your thoughts on this point?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from answering hypothetical questions.