Press Conference by Minister Saito (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

8:25 to 8:29 a.m.
Friday, April 5, 2024
In the elevator hall, 2nd floor, the annex to the House of Representatives building

Opening Remarks

Ban on Imports and Exports to Russia

Good morning.
At the beginning, I would like to mention one point.
In order for Japan to contribute to global efforts toward international peace following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, based on a Cabinet understanding adopted on March 1, we have made a Cabinet decision to amend the Export Trade Control Order in relation to the ban on exports of goods that contribute to the reinforcement of Russia’s industrial infrastructure. The amendment will be promulgated on April 10 and be put into force on April 17.
In addition, based on the Cabinet approval on March 1, the public notice of the amendment related to the ban on imports of non-industrial diamonds originating from the Russian Federation will be promulgated on April 10 and be put into force on May 10.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will make utmost efforts to implement the ban on exports and imports to Russia while continuing to cooperate with the international community.
As for detailed information, the administrative staff will give you a briefing later.
Let me end my remarks.

Question-and-Answer Session

Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting

Q: I would like to ask you about the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting scheduled for next week.
Prime Minister Kishida has indicated his wish to engage in policy cooperation toward promoting GX (Green Transformation) and also mentioned his expectation that economic security will be another important agenda item. As Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, what do you expect of the summit meeting? Also, regarding a media report that you will accompany his visit to the United States and hold consultations with senior U.S. government officials, please clarify whether the report is true and tell me about the importance of ministerial-level consultations.

A: I have to refrain from commenting on what may be discussed in the summit meeting. However, given that this will be the first official visit as a state guest in nine years to be made by a Japanese prime minister and that the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting will be held amid the presence of various pending issues, I understand that this will be a very important occasion. I hope that Japan-U.S. economic cooperation will be further advanced in many fields, including not only economic security but also critical and emerging semiconductor technologies, clean energy, and supply chain resilience.
No decision has been made on my visit to the United States, so I would like to refrain from commenting on that point.