[Title] Extraordinary Press Conference by Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko
Opening Remarks
Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Over two days on February 21 and 22, the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held here in Rio de Janeiro. The Brazilian Presidency put forward two agenda items. In Session 1 on "The G20's role in dealing with the ongoing international tensions," the situation in Ukraine was addressed head-on in the presence of Russia, along with the situation in the Middle East. In Session 2 on "Global governance reform," many remarks were made regarding the situation in Ukraine as well. Two years into the aggression against Ukraine, we affirmed once again the importance of this issue.
On the first day, in Session 1 on "The G20's role in dealing with the ongoing international tensions," I explained that Japan would work to realize a world where the rule of law and "human dignity" are protected. Based on such a vision, I also stated my views on the following three points; Ukraine, the Middle East, and Women, Peace and Security (WPS). Russia is continuing its aggression against Ukraine, and this is a great challenge to the rule of law. I remarked that Russia has to stop its aggression and we have to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine immediately. In addition, I introduced the outcomes of the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction, which was held this week. On the situation in the Middle East, I called on all parties to observe international law including international humanitarian law, and to act from a humanitarian perspective. I also explained Japan's humanitarian assistance to Palestine, and that Japan is considering a new emergency grant aid of approximately $32 million. Furthermore, I explained that Japan will actively contribute to the realization of a "two-state solution." The protection of women and children in these conflicts is an urgent issue. It is also important to ensure women's participation in leadership positions in conflict prevention, reconstruction, and peacebuilding. In the meeting, I stated that I hope to actively cooperate in the G20 so that such WPS perspectives will be reflected in the G20's discussions.
On the second day, in Session 2 on "Global governance reform," I made the point that it is necessary to return to the starting point of "human dignity" and promote human-centered international cooperation based on the concept of human security. From this perspective, I stated my views on the reform of the United Nations (UN), Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), and on AI, which is a new agenda. About the UN, the most universal international organization in the world, I called for concrete actions for the UN Security Council (UNSC) composition to reflect the current realities of the international community. Moreover, I emphasized the importance of MDBs reform to enhance our support for developing countries, and that it is crucial to achieve outcomes at the 13th Ministerial Conference of the WTO next week.
Furthermore, on AI, which is a new agenda that we are facing, I introduced that Japan, as the G7 Presidency last year, launched the "Hiroshima AI Process," and is leading the rule-making in the international community. I also stated that Japan, based on such experience, would like to contribute to the discussions at the G20.
On this occasion, I held meetings with the Foreign Ministers of France, Republic of Korea (ROK), Angola, Mexico, UK, and Bolivia, and with the Director-General of UNESCO. I also held a Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting. In the meetings, we were able to conduct a meaningful and candid exchange of views on bilateral relations, regional affairs, cooperation in the international arena, and other topics. After this press conference, I will hold a meeting with Brazil, the G20 Presidency.
I am visiting Latin America and the Caribbean for the first time since assuming the office of Foreign Minister. I will now be heading to Panama. During my visit there, I will be unveiling Japan's "Diplomatic Initiative toward Latin America and the Caribbean." This aims to start a new stage of collaboration between Japan and Latin American and Caribbean countries on contemporary themes facing the international community, building on Japan's track record in diplomacy and the trust we have earned with this region, including under the three "juntos" announced in 2014.
As part of the "Diplomatic Initiative toward Latin America and the Caribbean," and on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Panama, we will confirm the strengthening of our bilateral relationship. Furthermore, Japan and Panama, a country situated in a key junction of marine transportation with which we share common values and principles, will work together to maintain and advance a "free and open ocean." We will also enhance collaboration on WPS, an area which the Government of Panama is committed to.
This year is the Year of Latin America and the Caribbean when countries in the region will lead the international community by holding the G20 Presidency and APEC Chair. Through such opportunities for dialogue, we will aim to develop and further elaborate the "Diplomatic Initiative toward Latin America and the Caribbean."
That is all from me.
Question-and-Answer Session
Reporter: The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held as Russia's invasion of Ukraine reaches the two-year mark. In your view, what were the outcomes and challenges in attending the meeting? Additionally, based on Japan's experience with diplomacy and your visit to Ukraine, please explain again the Government of Japan's position and approach to the situation in Ukraine.
Minister Kamikawa: As I stated earlier, Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a great challenge to the rule of law. In the meeting, I stressed that Russia has to stop its aggression and we have to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine immediately, while mentioning my visit to Ukraine in January. Many other countries also made similar remarks. I stressed that Russia's nuclear threat, let alone its use, is absolutely unacceptable.
Additionally, on the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction on February 19, I introduced that Japan signed 56 cooperation documents. I explained about Japan's public-private cooperation for Ukraine, and that I had organic discussions with women who play active roles in the Ukrainian Government, business, and civil society.
Japan will never waver in its position of standing with Ukraine. The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting convinced me of this once again. Even as the war continues, the people of Ukraine live their daily lives. The meeting reinforced for me that steady ongoing support for recovery and reconstruction is needed for the current situation. Japan will continue to demonstrate leadership in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, firmly building on the outcomes of the Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction.
Reporter: I would like to ask about strengthening collaboration with the Global South including Brazil. There are countries in the Global South that do not participate in the sanctions against Russia led by Japan, the U.S., and Europe, and that seek to maintain relations with Russia. As for the situation in the Middle East, there are countries that criticize Israel in very strong terms and countries that have positions different from Japan. It appears that more countries wish to work with Global South countries for reasons including tapping into their economic development. How does Japan intend to deepen its partnership with such countries that may have positions slightly different from Japan? Even if we say the Global South in a nutshell, we cannot consider them as a single group, so I am interested to hear about your intentions.
Minister Kamikawa: The "Global South" countries are rapidly gaining a voice. I can see that the international community is becoming more diverse in a sense. The opinions, issues, and situations of these countries vary, and they cannot be considered as a single group. I feel it is important that we understand the diversity of these countries and tailor our approach based on their various needs.
Since assuming the office of Foreign Minister last September, I have held numerous meetings with the Global South countries, including Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and Pacific Island countries, and now Brazil. On these occasions, I sensed firsthand the high level of trust and expectations placed in Japanese diplomacy. The countries also expressed interest in advancing further cooperation with Japan.
What is important is that we listen with sincerity to the views and opinions of various countries, even if they differ from ours. In doing so, Japan will advance diplomacy focused around "the rule of law" and "human dignity" and uphold the basic approach of guiding the divisions and confrontations within the diversifying international community toward cooperation. Based on this perspective, I listened earnestly to my counterparts during the latest G20 and bilateral meetings, and I underscored the importance of the rule of law and other principles of the international community.
My impression from the G20 and bilateral meetings is that the "Global South" countries, while their wording may vary, generally agreed on adhering to international law, including the UN Charter, and on the importance of respecting the principles of the international community, including territorial integrity, sovereignty, and human rights. I hope to continue to actively hold meetings with the "Global South" countries and listen to a range of opinions. In addition, I will hold candid exchanges of views and strive to address our shared challenges and issues.
Reporter: I would like to ask about generative AI. During today's G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, you mentioned that international rules on generative AI need to be established. I believe Japan has played a preliminary role in this field as the G7 Presidency. Could you explain the intention and significance of bringing up this matter at the G20 meeting? Please also share with us the role Japan hopes to play in this field.
Minister Kamikawa: While the development of AI provides us with opportunities such as increased productivity, it also causes risks such as proliferation of disinformation. We recognize that it is a new agenda that requires a response by the international community. At last year's G20 New Delhi Summit, we confirmed to promote cooperation on international governance for AI. At today's meeting, members took an interest in and discussed AI, including its security risks and the system of governance for AI.
Japan, as the G7 Presidency last year, launched the "Hiroshima AI Process" on governance of AI, and is leading the rule-making in the international community. Japan, based on such experience, would like to contribute to the discussions at the G20 toward the realization of safe, secure, and reliable AI.
Reporter: A Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held today. Please share with us your thoughts on its outcomes.
Minister Kamikawa: On this occasion, I held a Japan-U.S.-ROK Foreign Ministers' Meeting with Secretary of State Blinken of the U.S. and Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul of the ROK, for approximately 60 minutes. North Korea has made various remarks and continues to advance its nuclear and missile activities. Furthermore, North Korea has supplied ballistic missiles to Russia, which have been used against Ukraine. At today's meeting, the three countries confirmed to work together to deal with North Korea in light of such heightening tensions.
As the free and open international order based on the rule of law is being put to a test, so to speak, my view is that the strategic collaboration between Japan, the U.S., and the ROK is becoming ever more critical. At today's meeting, we held very substantial and candid exchanges of views on not only the Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation mechanisms, but also other matters including Russia's aggression against Ukraine, attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force, and regional affairs, including the situation in the Middle East. Based on the outcomes of the Japan-U.S.-ROK Summit held in Camp David last August, I intend to further deepen the trilateral cooperation along with Secretary Blinken and Minister Cho.