Japan-EU Summit Meeting and Other Activities
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, July 17, 2018
On July 17, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 25th Japan-European Union (EU) summit meeting and other activities with H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and H.E.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
The Signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Japan, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other par
Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, July 17, 2018
1. On July 17, the Government of Japan made a decision at its Cabinet Meeting to sign the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Japan, of the one part, and the European Union and its Member States, of the other part.
2. Based on this decision, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, together with H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk, European Council President, and H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Junker, European Commission President, will sign the Agreement on the occasion of the Japan-EU Summit to be held on July 17 in Tokyo.
3. This Agreement will serve as a legal basis for promoting cooperation on matters of mutual interest in a wide range of areas, between Japan and the European Union as well as its Member States which share values and principles of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and for strengthening the long-lasting strategic partnership between them.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
The Signing of the Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership
Foreign Affairs, Tuesday, July 17, 2018
1. On July 17 (Tue.), the Government of Japan decided at its Cabinet Meeting to sign the Agreement between the European Union and Japan for an Economic Partnership.
2. Based on this decision, Mr. Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, will sign this Agreement on the occasion of their meeting to be held on July 17 in Tokyo.
3. It is expected that this Agreement will promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment between Japan and the European Union and will further vitalize both economies by strengthening reciprocal economic ties in wide-ranging fields.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
10th Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, July 19, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 19, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 10th meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“Two weeks have passed since the disaster. Some of the affected people and volunteers have experienced heat stroke due to the prolonged heat wave. The heat is dangerous and could be life-threatening. I ask all of you to pay attention to the necessity to implement preventative measures against heat strokes, including allowing the taking of frequent breaks and consuming enough water and sodium.
In these affected areas, we are rapidly restoring infrastructure that serves as the foundation for rebuilding people’s lives and restoring ‘nariwai (occupations and livelihoods that sustain people's daily lives).’ As an example, at its peak, 262,000 homes were without running water, but as of today water supply has been restored for 237,000 homes, around 90% of the total. For those areas where water still remains cut off, we will continue to exert our fullest efforts to quickly restore this, including by enhancing support for emergency water supply systems and urgent restoration work.
As for restoration of railways and roads, National Route 2, a major east-west artery in the Chugoku Region, is expected to be fully reopened to vehicles the day after tomorrow on July 21. The section between Hiroshima and Shimo-Fukawa of the Geibi Line, which connects central Hiroshima City and the suburbs and is critical for commuters and students, is expected to reopen on July 23. We will strive to implement various measures such as arranging alternative transportation such as bus and ferry services and making urgent improvements to intersections along national routes, so as to alleviate traffic congestion, deal with transportation bottlenecks, and secure routes for commuters and students.
During the recent heavy rain, several agricultural reservoirs broke, which has caused a great deal of concern among farmers and people living in the surrounding communities. We are already carrying out emergency inspections of approximately 5,000 reservoirs in the areas affected by the recent heavy rain. Furthermore, we have also decided to carry out emergency inspections throughout the country by around the end of August this year, to verify the safety of all agricultural reservoirs, including checking for cracks and leaks, where there could be damage to homes or public facilities located downstream. As the typhoon season is approaching, we would like to implement all the measures that we can at this point in time.
Circumstances permitting, I plan to visit the affected areas in Hiroshima Prefecture the day after tomorrow on July 21. I will continue to exert every effort for implementing emergency response and recovery work in the affected areas, rebuilding the lives of those affected, and restoring ‘nariwai’ as soon as possible, from the standpoint of the people affected and following through with the front-line approach. I ask for your continued cooperation and efforts.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Ninth Meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, July 17, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 17, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the ninth meeting of the Emergency Response Headquarters for the Heavy Rain in July 2018 at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,
“To ramp up efforts to rebuild the lives of the affected people while the extreme heat continues, it is important for them to move from the evacuation centers into residences where their privacy and other means are secured, as soon as possible. To that end, even for the people affected whose homes have been partly destroyed, in cases where they cannot live in their own residence due to landslides and driftwood brought in by the flood, I would like to let the affected prefectures to allow these victims to move into emergency temporary housing just like other victims whose homes have been completely destroyed, without consulting with the Government. I would also like to ask you to make all relevant parties and those affected informed on this.
In addition, through the strenuous work by all those who were affected and the cooperation of many volunteers, we are gradually making progress in cleaning up the affected housings. At the same time, the disposal of disaster-related waste generated by these efforts is also becoming a pressing issue. Garbage collection vehicles dispatched from eight cities including Osaka City and Fukuoka City, as well as heavy machinery from the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), have been deployed in the removal and transportation of this waste in cooperation with private-sector operators in the neighboring areas, as the combined efforts of the public and private sectors. With regard to Mabi Town, where a large volume of disaster-related waste has been generated, we have dispatched an additional 1,000 SDF personnel and 70 dump trucks today to further accelerate the disposal of this waste.
I will continue to devote every effort for implementing emergency response and recovery work in the affected areas, rebuilding the lives of those affected, and restoring ‘nariwai’ (occupations and livelihoods that sustain people's daily lives) at the earliest possible date, from the standpoint of the people affected and following through with the front-line approach. I would like to ask for your continued cooperation and efforts.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Ministerial Council on the Monthly Economic Report and Other Relative Issues
Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, July 19, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 19, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a meeting of the Ministerial Council on the Monthly Economic Report and Other Relative Issues at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Regarding the assessment of the current state of the Japanese economy, the July Monthly Economic Report states, “The Japanese economy is recovering at a moderate pace. ”
Furthermore, in regard to short-term prospects, the Report states, “The economy is expected to continue recovering, supported by the effects of the policies, while employment and income situation is improving. However, attention should be given to the effects of situations over trade issues on the world economy, the uncertainty in overseas economies and the effects of fluctuations in the financial and capital markets. Furthermore, sufficient attention should be given to the economic impacts of the Heavy Rain in July 2018. ”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Courtesy Call from the Delegation of the 10th Anniversary Japan-China Teenage Ambassador Program
Cabinet Secretariat, Tuesday, July 17, 2018
[Provisional Translation]
On July 17, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from the delegation of the 10th Anniversary Japan-China Teenage Ambassador Program at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Prime Minister said in his address,
“I am delighted to welcome you all to the Prime Minister’s Office on the 10th Anniversary of the Japan-China Teenage Ambassador Program.
I was told that, in addition to this year’s participants, we also have participants from the previous years present here today. I am very pleased to learn that the alumni of this program have cultivated friendships through the program and since gone on to take an active role in various formats to further deepen mutual understanding between Japan and China. Furthermore, I am also astounded by the absolutely perfect Japanese that the female representative of the alumni in China has shown in her address. I should probably learn from her as I am often criticized for my poor enunciation in the Diet.
It is of the greatest significance that you, those who will take Japan-China friendship and goodwill into the future, have gathered together in the 10th anniversary of the program to further broaden exchanges, and, in this regard, I would like to offer my most heartfelt encouragement to you all. For the past decade, this program has continued without interruption, no matter how Japan-China relations have developed over this period. I would also like to express my respect for the tremendous efforts of all those involved to continue this program.
In May, I welcomed Premier Li Keqiang to Japan, and we agreed to further promote people-to-people exchanges, including youth exchanges. In terms of government-to-government relations, Premier Li visited Japan recently and also took the time to make an excursion to Hokkaido. I would also like to visit China before the end of this year, and next year I hope to welcome President Xi Jinping to Japan. While we promote intergovernmental and leader-level exchanges in such a manner, people-to-people exchanges are most important. Particularly, youth exchanges will create the future for our two countries. In her address, the female representative from the alumni in Japan stated that she wants to see things as they are without preconceptions or prejudice. I also believe that this exactly is the most important point. Those whom I have met with often tell me that I am kinder than they originally thought. I believe that by making mutual visits to each other’s countries and getting to know a true picture of how things are will lead to even deeper exchanges in the future.
I have great expectations for your future efforts as we further broaden Japan-China friendship and goodwill. I sincerely hope that you will make full use of your experiences in the Teenage Ambassador Program to build many bridges of friendship between Japan and China in diverse areas. Thank you very much.”
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Japan-Egypt Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation
Foreign Affairs, Thursday, July 19, 2018
In the beginning, H.E. Mr. Sameh SHOUKRY expressed his condolences for the victims by the heavy rain in Western Japan and hoped that Japan would overcome severe damages by the disaster as early as possible. In reply, Minister Kono thanked for the condolences and extended his congratulations to H.E. Mr. SHOUKRY upon his reappointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs in second term of President El-Sisi. Minister Kono said that Japan remains committed to supporting efforts by Egypt towards achieving economic reform and sustainable development.
In return, H.E. Mr. SHOUKRY expressed his gratitude for Japanese assistance to Egypt’s efforts for reform. H.E. Mr. SHOUKRY said that Egypt committed to strengthening the relationship with Japan and he would stay in touch with Minister Kono for this goal. Both Ministers also exchanged their views on cooperation toward the Seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (“TICAD7”) to be held in Japan in 2019.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Japan-Turkey Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Conversation
Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs had a telephone conversation for approximately 10 minutes commencing at 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, with H.E. Mr. Mevlüt ÇAVUŞOĞLU, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. The overview is as follows.
1. In the beginning, Minister Kono extended his congratulations to H.E. Mr. Mevlüt ÇAVUŞOĞLU upon his reappointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Minister Kono also said that he would like to further deepen the relationship between Japan and Turkey in areas of politics, economy, culture, disaster prevention, as well as strengthen cooperation in regional and international arena based on the friendship developed over the past 130 years. In return, H.E. Mr. Mevlüt ÇAVUŞOĞLU expressed his gratitude and he said he would like to do his best to advance the relationship between the two countries.
2. Minister Kono appreciated the heartful message of condolences by H.E. Mr. Mevlüt ÇAVUŞOĞLU with regard to the Heavy Rain in Western Japan. In return, H.E. Mr. Mevlüt ÇAVUŞOĞLU expressed that the Turkish people’s heart would be with Japan at all times.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise Pacific Shield 18
Foreign Affairs, Friday, July 13, 2018
1. The Government of Japan will host the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise Pacific Shield 18 at the Port of Yokosuka (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture) and off Boso Peninsula and Izu Peninsula from July 24 to 26, 2018.
2. PSI is an international effort to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), missiles, and related materials, which is a threat to the peace and stability of the international community, consistent with national legal authorities and relevant international law and frameworks. Under this initiative, PSI-endorsing states enhance their capabilities and understanding, share information, and conduct outreach activities through exercises, meetings, workshops and other events. Japan has been actively participating in PSI since its inception in 2003. This initiative does not target any particular states or non-state actors.
3. Pacific Shield 18 will be the fifth iteration of the Asia-Pacific Exercise Rotation (APER), which was created at the PSI 10th Anniversary High Level Political Meeting in 2013. Participants include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, Ministry of Finance (Japan Customs), Japan Coast Guard, Ministry of Defense and Japan Self-Defense Forces, and other related ministries and agencies of Japan. The other APER members - Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United States - will also participate in this exercise. Japan has invited Indo-Pacific and other countries as observers.
4. Pacific Shield 18 will consist of the Academic Session, Table Top Exercise, Port Exercise, Live Exercise, and capacity-building program for PSI-endorsing states. This exercise has great significance from the viewpoint of strengthening cooperation among the participating countries and related agencies as well as demonstrating the strong will of the international community to counter WMD proliferation. It is also expected to be an opportunity for Indo-Pacific countries to deepen their understanding of PSI’s objectives and activities.
5. This will be the fourth PSI exercise hosted by Japan, following maritime interdiction exercises Team Samurai 04 in October 2004 and Pacific Shield 07 in October 2007 and air interdiction exercise Pacific Shield 12 in July 2012.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
The Terrorist Attack in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan (Statement by Foreign Minister Taro Kono)
Foreign Affairs, Saturday, July 14, 2018
1. The Government of Japan will host the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise Pacific Shield 18 at the Port of Yokosuka (Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture) and off Boso Peninsula and Izu Peninsula from July 24 to 26, 2018.
2. PSI is an international effort to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), missiles, and related materials, which is a threat to the peace and stability of the international community, consistent with national legal authorities and relevant international law and frameworks. Under this initiative, PSI-endorsing states enhance their capabilities and understanding, share information, and conduct outreach activities through exercises, meetings, workshops and other events. Japan has been actively participating in PSI since its inception in 2003. This initiative does not target any particular states or non-state actors.
3. Pacific Shield 18 will be the fifth iteration of the Asia-Pacific Exercise Rotation (APER), which was created at the PSI 10th Anniversary High Level Political Meeting in 2013. Participants include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Police Agency, Ministry of Finance (Japan Customs), Japan Coast Guard, Ministry of Defense and Japan Self-Defense Forces, and other related ministries and agencies of Japan. The other APER members - Australia, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United States - will also participate in this exercise. Japan has invited Indo-Pacific and other countries as observers.
4. Pacific Shield 18 will consist of the Academic Session, Table Top Exercise, Port Exercise, Live Exercise, and capacity-building program for PSI-endorsing states. This exercise has great significance from the viewpoint of strengthening cooperation among the participating countries and related agencies as well as demonstrating the strong will of the international community to counter WMD proliferation. It is also expected to be an opportunity for Indo-Pacific countries to deepen their understanding of PSI’s objectives and activities.
5. This will be the fourth PSI exercise hosted by Japan, following maritime interdiction exercises Team Samurai 04 in October 2004 and Pacific Shield 07 in October 2007 and air interdiction exercise Pacific Shield 12 in July 2012.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Foreign Minister Kono Visits Austria and Poland
YouTube, Tuesday, July 17, 2018
1. Japan is shocked and saddened by the terrorist attacks which caused numerous deaths and injuries on July 13, on political gathering in Mastung, Balochistan and Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, of Pakistan. Japan expresses its condolences to the victims and the bereaved families. Japan also prays those injured for their earliest recovery.
2. No act of terrorism can be justified for whatever reason or purpose. Japan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
3. Japan expresses solidarity to the Government of Pakistan and their people and supports efforts by the Government of Pakistan to combat terrorism. Japan also strongly hopes that the general election to be held this month will be implemented freely, fairly and peacefully without giving in to such heinous attacks.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
Relaxation of Visa Requirements for Nationals of Pacific Islands
Foreign Affairs, Thursday, July 19, 2018
1. As the Government of Japan declared on the occasion of the 8th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 8), in order to promote people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Pacific Islands, the relaxation of visa requirements for short-term stay for nationals of the Pacific Islands (the Republic of Palau, the Federal States of Micronesia, the Independent State of Samoa, the Republic of Vanuatu, the Republic of Kiribati, Tuval, the Republic of Nauru, Solomon Islands, the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the Republic of Fiji, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Kingdom of Tonga) was decided and will come in effect on August 1, 2018.
2. The specific measures to be taken are as follows:
(1) For nationals of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, the period of stay of the multiple entry visas (for various purposes, including tourism) will be extended from 15 days to 30 days.
(2) For nationals of other countries, the multiple entry visas (terms of validity: 3 years, period of stay: 30 days maximum) for short-term stay (for various purposes, including tourism) will be newly introduced in addition to existing single entry visas.
3. The abovementioned relaxation of visa requirements is expected to contribute to improvement of convenience for tourists and increase in repeat visitors as well as further advancement of people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Pacific Islands.
(Note) More details including outline of application procedures for multiple entry visa will be announced later on the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
あのイーハトーヴォのすきとおった風、夏でも底に冷たさをもつ青いそら、うつくしい森で飾られたモリーオ市、郊外のぎらぎらひかる草の波。またそのなかでいっしょになったたくさんのひとたち、ファゼーロとロザーロ、羊飼のミーロや、顔の赤いこどもたち、地主のテーモ、山猫博士のボーガント・デストゥパーゴなど、いまこの暗い巨きな石の建物のなかで考えていると、
