"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by Prime Minister Kishida on His Attendance at the NATO Summit Meeting and the Japan-EU Summit and Other Matters

[Place]
[Date] July 11, 2023
[Source] Prime Minister's Office of Japan
[Notes] Provisional translation
[Full text]

(On his attendance at the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Summit Meeting and Japan-EU (European Union) Summit, and in response to the ROK Government's announcement of a Japan-ROK Summit Meeting)

Later today, I will leave Japan for Lithuania and Belgium to attend a NATO Summit Meeting and a Japan-EU Summit. Taking advantage of the two summits, I hope to confirm the outcome of the recent G7 Hiroshima Summit in terms of the cooperation among like-minded countries in maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law, with a view to promoting international cooperation, rather than division and confrontation. At the NATO Summit Meeting, I plan to present a document regarding Japan-NATO cooperation to elevate NATO-Japan collaboration and cooperation to a higher level. At the EU-Japan Summit, I hope to confirm our cooperation in a wide range of areas, including economic security, as well as in regional affairs. Also seizing this opportunity, I plan to hold bilateral meetings with ROK, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belgium and other countries, as well as a NATO Asia-Pacific partners (AP4) Leaders' Meeting and meetings with the prime ministers of the three Baltic countries.

Responding to your question regarding the items to be discussed at the Japan-ROK Summit Meeting, I refrain from making any comments in advance, but I would like to take this opportunity to further promote cooperation with ROK through close communication with President Yoon Suk Yeol.

As for the Government's response to the heavy rainfall, I yesterday gave necessary instructions to assess the status of damage as soon as possible, including by visiting the affected areas, and to work closely with local governments to take all possible measures for emergency disaster response. During my (the Prime Minister's) trip abroad, we will continue our response in close collaboration with municipalities under the leadership of Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno, who will serve as Prime Minister ad interim, and Minister of State for Disaster Management Tani. Thank you.