Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga
Prime Minister Abe will visit the United States and Canada from June 6 to 11. In the United States, with an eye on the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, which is planned for June 12, Prime Minister Abe will hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Trump and closely coordinate policies relating to North Korea. In Canada, the Prime Minister will attend the G7 Charlevoix Summit to be held in Quebec, where he will hold in-depth discussions towards the resolution of the North Korean issues so as to closely coordinate among the G7. In addition, the Prime Minister will also engage in candid discussions with G7 leaders on a variety of other issues, including the global economy and trade, and other themes which have been prioritized by Canada, this year’s chair, such as “investing in growth that works for everyone,” and “advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.” 
 
Q&As
 
REPORTER: You have just stated that the purpose of the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States is to closely coordinate policies with the United States, taking into consideration the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting. Could you provide a little more detail about what the Prime Minister will discuss with President Trump regarding the abduction, nuclear and missile issues?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That is precisely a meeting to closely coordinate policies on the abduction, nuclear and missile issues. I would like to refrain from going into the details.
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: A meeting of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was convened yesterday, and with regard to the nuclear issues of North Korea, IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano stated that the IAEA continues to enhance its readiness to play an essential role in verifying the DPRK’s nuclear program if a political agreement is reached among countries concerned. It is said that the Government of Japan has indicated its willingness to contribute to the funding required for the inspections. Could you tell us the current status on this point?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: Firstly, the specific scale and content of any assistance will be decided on the basis of comprehensive considerations of various circumstances, including the actual needs and cooperation with other countries concerned. At the current point in time, nothing at all has been decided. There is no change to the Government’s intention to support the initiatives of the IAEA under Director General Amano towards the denuclearization of North Korea, including making preparations to resume verification activities in North Korea.