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.)
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Today, following the Cabinet Meeting, the fifth meeting of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Promotion Headquarters, which the Prime Minister chairs, was held. During the meeting, the Action Plan 2018 was approved so as to promote nationwide efforts. This action plan is to position our national strategy to create Japan’s future as its main pillar as well as to further materialize and expand related efforts. Following the meeting, the Presentation Ceremony for Certificates of the FY2018 “SDGs Future Cities” was held; the Government awarded 29 municipalities the certificates in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the realization of the SDGs. Based on the aforementioned Action Plan, the Government will work as one and make a concerted effort to promote and spread our efforts among the international community, while also continuing to strengthen our initiatives further.   
 
Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding the North Korean issues. Some officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (of Japan) exchanged views with those from North Korea on the sidelines of an international conference being held in Ulaanbaatar. Could you please share what specifically was discussed?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Yesterday, while engaging in various exchanges of views with other participants at the Ulaanbaatar Dialogue, Deputy Director-General Shimizu of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau exchanged views with Director Kim Yong-guk of the Institute for Disarmament and Peace of North Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, albeit for a short time. Deputy Director-General Shimizu conveyed Japan’s basic position to Director Kim.
 
REPORTER: Upon conveying Japan’s position, what was the reaction from North Korea?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I would like to refrain from disclosing the details.
 
(Abridged)