Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
REPORTER: I would like to ask about the G7 Summit. There are disagreements between the United States, which has been strengthening trade protection, and other G7 members, which advocate free trade. Could you tell us what role Japan would like to play at the upcoming G7 Summit so as to reconcile their differences?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First and foremost, the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada is expected to discuss issues related to the global economy and free trade. Since Japan has upheld free trade and complied with the rules-basedmultilateral trading system, our position is that all trade-related measures must be consistent with the WTO agreements. I expect that, based on such a position, Japan will work together with the relevant G7 members and the EU, who share concern over the trade restriction measures of the United States, and hold frank discussions
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting. I understand that Japan will send government officials to Singapore during the upcoming summit meeting. Has the Government decided on who to send?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: That has not been decided yet.
 
REPORTER: Some media reported the name of Director-General Kanasugi (of the Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau). Could you please explain the state of considerations, and the expected size of the delegation?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of the details of the reports. In any case, the Government considers this to be a meeting of the utmost importance. We will approach this matter from such a perspective.
 
(Abridged)