Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
(Abridged)
 
REPORTER: Yesterday, the Management Council for Infrastructure Strategy revised the Export Strategy for Infrastructure Systems and included reference to the promotion and cooperation of joint infrastructure development by Japanese and Chinese companies in third countries. Could you tell us the aim of this amendment and what impact it will have on Japan-China relations overall?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: In the Japan-China summit meeting, which was held in May, regarding Japan-China business cooperation in third countries, the leaders shared the view to establish a new committee for discussions between ministries and agencies jointly involving the public and private sectors under the framework of the Japan-China High-Level Economic Dialogue in order to discuss specific projects. In response to the outcome of the summit meeting, the revision of the Export Strategy for Infrastructure Systems was approved. In this revision, it is stated that under this framework Japan and China will have discussions and implement specific projects where they can cooperate with each other. While specific discussions have yet to begin, the Government hopes that there will be tangible progress in cooperation between Japan and China, which leads to the improvement of the relationship on all fronts.
 
REPORTER: I have a question regarding the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting. How does the Government prepare in Singapore where the summit meeting is scheduled to take place on June 12? What is the target date to select government officials to be sent?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: We are scheduled to send Secretary General Yachi of the National Security Secretariat and Director-General/Assistant Minister Kanasugi of the Asian and Oceania Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Singapore from June 10 so as to make the utmost efforts to gather information during the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting on June 12.
 
REPORTER: You have mentioned the names of two individuals. Given that Secretary General Yachi is one of the persons to be sent, is a meeting after the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting being arranged with Ambassador John Bolton, National Security Advisor of the United States?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: I am not aware of any such plans. We have decided to send the two people I have just mentioned, who already have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the issue so as to exert every effort to gather information.
 
(Abridged)