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G7 Charlevoix Summit and Bilateral Summit Meetings: Second Day

Cabinet Secretariat, Saturday, June 9, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 9, 2018 (local time), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is visiting Canada to attend the G7 Charlevoix Summit and other events, attended a breakfast meeting with the Gender Equality Advisory Council and other meetings.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister attended a session on the theme of gender equality and women’s empowerment, and an outreach session. Following that, Prime Minister Abe attended a group photograph session with the leaders of the G7 members and invited outreach countries.

Lastly, Prime Minister Abe held a press conference.

The Charlevoix G7 Summit Communique

Foreign Affairs, Saturday, June 9, 2018

1. We, the Leaders of the G7, have come together in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada on June 8–9, 2018, guided by our shared values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and our commitment to promote a rules-based international order. As advanced economies and leading democracies, we share a fundamental commitment to investing in our citizens and meeting their needs and to responding to global challenges. We collectively affirm our strong determination to achieve a clean environment, clean air and clean water. We are resolved to work together in creating a healthy, prosperous, sustainable and fair future for all.

Investing in Growth that Works for Everyone

2. We share the responsibility of working together to stimulate sustainable economic growth that benefits everyone and, in particular, those most at risk of being left behind. We welcome the contribution of technological change and global integration to global economic recovery and increased job creation. The global economic outlook continues to improve, but too few citizens have benefited from that economic growth. While resilience against risk has improved among emerging market economies, recent market movements remind us of potential vulnerabilities. We will continue monitoring market developments and using all policy tools to support strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth that generates widespread prosperity. We reaffirm our existing exchange rate commitments. We commit to promoting smart, sustainable and high-quality investments, such as in infrastructure, to boost growth and productivity and create quality jobs. Economic growth is fundamental to raising living standards. We also recognize that economic output alone is insufficient for measuring success and acknowledge the importance of monitoring other societal and economic indicators that measure prosperity and well-being. We are committed to removing the barriers that keep our citizens, including women and marginalized individuals, from participating fully in the global economy. We endorse the Charlevoix Commitment on Equality and Economic Growth, which reinforces our commitment to eradicate poverty, advance gender equality, foster income equality, ensure better access to financial resources and create decent work and quality of life for all.

3. In order to ensure that everyone pays their fair share, we will exchange approaches and support international efforts to deliver fair, progressive, effective and efficient tax systems. We will continue to fight tax evasion and avoidance by promoting the global implementation of international standards and addressing base erosion and profit shifting. The impacts of the digitalization of the economy on the international tax system remain key outstanding issues. We welcome the OECD interim report analyzing the impact of digitalization of the economy on the international tax system. We are committed to work together to seek a consensus-based solution by 2020.

4. We acknowledge that free, fair and mutually beneficial trade and investment, while creating reciprocal benefits, are key engines for growth and job creation. We recommit to the conclusions on trade of the Hamburg G20 Summit, in particular, we underline the crucial role of a rules-based international trading system and continue to fight protectionism. We note the importance of bilateral, regional and plurilateral agreements being open, transparent, inclusive and WTO-consistent, and commit to working to ensure they complement the multilateral trade agreements. We commit to modernize the WTO to make it more fair as soon as possible. We strive to reduce tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers and subsidies.

5. We will work together to enforce existing international rules and develop new rules where needed to foster a truly level playing field, addressing in particular non-market oriented policies and practices, and inadequate protection of intellectual property rights, such as forced technology transfer or cyber-enabled theft. We call for the start of negotiations – this year – to develop stronger international rules on market-distorting industrial subsidies and trade-distorting actions by state-owned enterprises. We also call on all members of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity to fully and promptly implement its recommendations. We stress the urgent need to avoid excess capacity in other sectors such as aluminum and high technology. We call on the International Working Group on Export Credits to develop a new set of guidelines for government-supported export credits, as soon as possible in 2019.

6. To support growth and equal participation that benefits everyone, and ensure our citizens lead healthy and productive lives, we commit to supporting strong, sustainable health systems that promote access to quality and affordable healthcare and to bringing greater attention to mental health. We support efforts to promote and protect women’s and adolescents’ health and well-being through evidence-based healthcare and health information. We recognize the World Health Organization’s vital role in health emergencies, including through the Contingency Fund for Emergencies and the World Bank’s Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility, and emphasize their need for further development and continued and sustainable financing. We recommit to support our 76 partners to strengthen their implementation of the International Health Regulations, including through their development of costed national action plans and the use of diverse sources of financing and multi-stakeholder resources. We will prioritize and coordinate our global efforts to fight against antimicrobial resistance, in a “one health” approach. We will accelerate our efforts to end tuberculosis, and its resistant forms. We reconfirm our resolve to work with partners to eradicate polio and effectively manage the post-polio transition. We affirm our support for a successful replenishment of the Global Fund in 2019.

7. Public finance, including official development assistance and domestic resource mobilization, is necessary to work towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, but alone is insufficient to support the economic growth and sustainable development necessary to lift all populations from poverty. As a result, we have committed to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development to promote economic growth in developing economies and foster greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. We will continue to invest in quality infrastructure with open access. Given rising debt levels in low income countries and the importance of debt sustainability, we call for greater debt transparency not only from low income debtor countries, but also emerging sovereign lenders and private creditors. We support the ongoing work of the Paris Club, as the principal international forum for restructuring official bilateral debt, towards the broader inclusion of emerging creditors. We recognize the value in development and humanitarian assistance that promotes greater equality of opportunity, and gender equality, and prioritizes the most vulnerable, and will continue to work to develop innovative financing models to ensure that no one is left behind.

Preparing for Jobs of the Future

8. We are resolved to ensure that all workers have access to the skills and education necessary to adapt and prosper in the new world of work brought by innovation through emerging technologies. We will promote innovation through a culture of lifelong learning among current and future generations of workers. We will expand market-driven training and education, particularly for girls and women in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. We recognize the need to remove barriers to women’s leadership and equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of the labour market, including by eliminating violence, discrimination and harassment within and beyond the workplace. We will explore innovative new approaches to apprenticeship and vocational learning, as well as opportunities to engage employers and improve access to workplace training.

9. We highlight the importance of working towards making social protection more effective and efficient and creating quality work environments for workers, including those in non-standard forms of work. Expanding communication and collaboration between governments and businesses, social partners, educational institutions and other relevant stakeholders will be essential for preparing workers to adapt and thrive in the new world of work. To realize the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), we endorse the Charlevoix Common Vision for the Future of Artificial Intelligence. We recognize that a human-centric approach to AI has the potential to introduce new sources of economic growth, bring significant benefits to our societies and help address some of our most pressing challenges.

Advancing Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

10. We recognize that gender equality is fundamental for the fulfillment of human rights and is a social and economic imperative. However, gender inequality persists despite decades of international commitments to eliminate these differences. We will continue to work to remove barriers to women’s participation and decision-making in social, economic and political spheres as well as increase the opportunities for all to participate equally in all aspects of the labour market. Our path forward will promote women’s full economic participation through working to reduce the gender wage gap, supporting women business leaders and entrepreneurs and recognizing the value of unpaid care work.

11. Equal access to quality education is vital to achieve the empowerment and equal opportunity of girls and women, especially in developing contexts and countries struggling with conflict. Through the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries, we demonstrate our commitment to increase opportunities for at least 12 years of safe and quality education for all and to dismantle the barriers to girls’ and women’s quality education, particularly in emergencies and in conflict-affected and fragile states. We recognize that marginalized girls, such as those with a disability, face additional barriers in attaining access to education.

12. Advancing gender equality and ending violence against girls and women benefits all and is a shared responsibility in which everyone, including men and boys, has a critical role to play. We endorse the Charlevoix Commitment to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Abuse and Harassment in Digital Contexts, and are resolved to end all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. We strive for a future where individuals’ human rights are equally protected both offline and online; and where everyone has equal opportunity to participate in political, social, economic and cultural endeavors.

Building a More Peaceful and Secure World
13. We share a responsibility to build a more peaceful and secure world, recognizing that respect for human rights, the rule of law and equality of opportunity are necessary for lasting security and to enable economic growth that works for everyone. The global security threats we face are complex and evolving and we commit to working together to counter terrorism. We welcome the outcome of the international conference on the fight against terrorist financing, held in Paris April 25-26, 2018. Foreign terrorist fighters must be held accountable for their actions. We are committed to addressing the use of the internet for terrorist purposes, including as a tool for recruitment, training, propaganda and financing, and by working with partners such as the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism. We underscore the importance of taking concrete measures to eradicate trafficking in persons, forced labour, child labour and all forms of slavery, including modern slavery.

14. Recognizing that countries that are more equal are also more stable, more peaceful and more democratic, we are resolved to strengthen the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Gender-sensitive measures that include women’s participation and perspectives to prevent and eradicate terrorism are vital to effective and sustainable results, protection from sexual and gender-based violence, and preventing other human rights abuses and violations.

15. We commit to take concerted action in responding to foreign actors who seek to undermine our democratic societies and institutions, our electoral processes, our sovereignty and our security as outlined in the Charlevoix Commitment on Defending Democracy from Foreign Threats. We recognize that such threats, particularly those originating from state actors, are not just threats to G7 nations, but to international peace and security and the rules-based international order. We call on others to join us in addressing these growing threats by increasing the resilience and security of our institutions, economies and societies, and by taking concerted action to identify and hold to account those who would do us harm.

16. We continue to call on North Korea to completely, verifiably and irreversibly dismantle all of its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles as well as its related programs and facilities. We acknowledge recent developments, including North Korea’s announcement of a moratorium on nuclear testing and ballistic missile launches, a commitment to denuclearization made in the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration – assuming full implementation – and the apparent closure of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site on May 24; but we reiterate the importance of full denuclearization. The dismantlement of all of its WMD and ballistic missiles will lead to a more positive future for all people on the Korean Peninsula and a chance of prosperity for the people of North Korea, who have suffered for too long. However, more must be done and we call on all states to maintain strong pressure, including through the full implementation of relevant UNSCRs, to urge North Korea to change its course and take decisive and irreversible steps. In this context, we once again call upon North Korea to respect the human rights of its people and resolve the abductions issue immediately.

17. We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing behaviour to undermine democratic systems and its support of the Syrian regime. We condemn the attack using a military-grade nerve agent in Salisbury, United Kingdom. We share and agree with the United Kingdom’s assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation was responsible for the attack, and that there is no plausible alternative explanation. We urge Russia to live up to its international obligations, as well as its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to uphold international peace and security. Notwithstanding, we will continue to engage with Russia on addressing regional crises and global challenges, where it is in our interests. We reiterate our condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and reaffirm our enduring support for Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognized borders. We maintain our commitment to assisting Ukraine in implementing its ambitious and necessary reform agenda. We recall that the continuation of sanctions is clearly linked to Russia’s failure to demonstrate complete implementation of its commitments in the Minsk Agreements and respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty and we fully support the efforts within the Normandy Format and of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for a solution to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Should its actions so require, we also stand ready to take further restrictive measures in order to increase costs on Russia. We remain committed to support Russian civil society and to engage and invest in people-to-people contact.

18. We strongly condemn the murderous brutality of Daesh and its oppression of civilian populations under its control. As an international community, we remain committed to the eradication of Daesh and its hateful ideology. In Syria, we also condemn the repeated and morally reprehensible use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and by Daesh. We call on the supporters of the regime to ensure compliance with its obligation to declare and dismantle remaining chemical weapons. We deplore the fact that Syria assumed the presidency of the Conference on Disarmament in May, given its consistent and flagrant disregard of international non-proliferation norms and agreements. We reaffirm our collective commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and call on all states to support the upcoming Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Special Conference of States Parties and to work together to strengthen the ability of the OPCW to promote the implementation of the Convention. We call upon those who have yet to do so to join the International Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons. We call for credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance in Syria, facilitated by free and fair elections held to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians, including members of the diaspora, eligible to participate.

19. We remain concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. We urge all parties to pursue demilitarization of disputed features. We are committed to taking a strong stance against human rights abuse, human trafficking and corruption across the globe, especially as it impacts vulnerable populations, and we call upon the international community to take strong action against these abuses all over the world. We welcome the recent commitments made by Myanmar and we pledge to coordinate efforts to build lasting peace and support democratic transition in Myanmar, particularly in the context of the ongoing Rohingya crisis, to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and displaced people. We are deeply concerned about the lack of respect for human rights and basic democratic principles in Venezuela, as well as the spiraling economic crisis and its humanitarian repercussions. We express our concern at the continuous deterioration of the situation in Yemen and renew our call for all parties to fully comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law.

20. Recognizing the threat Iran’s ballistic missile program poses to international peace and security, we call upon Iran to refrain from launches of ballistic missiles and all other activities which are inconsistent with UNSCR 2231 – including all annexes – and destabilizing for the region, and cease proliferation of missile technology. We are committed to permanently ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful, in line with its international obligations and commitments to never seek, develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. We condemn all financial support of terrorism including terrorist groups sponsored by Iran. We also call upon Iran to play a constructive role by contributing to efforts to counter terrorism and achieve political solutions, reconciliation and peace in the region.

21. We remain concerned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially in the light of recent events. We support the resumption without delay of substantive peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians aimed at achieving a negotiated solution that ensures the peace and security for both parties. We stress the importance of addressing as soon as possible the dire and deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza strip.

22. Africa’s security, stability, and sustainable development are high priorities for us, and we reiterate our support for African-led initiatives, including at a regional level. We reiterate our commitment to work in partnership with the African continent, supporting the African Union Agenda 2063 in order to realize Africa’s potential. We will promote African capabilities to better prevent, respond to, and manage crisis and conflicts; and to strengthen democratic institutions. We reiterate our commitment to the stabilization, unity and democracy of Libya, which is key for the stability of the Mediterranean region and of Europe. We support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salamé in pursuing an inclusive political process founded on his Action Plan and we encourage all Libyan and regional actors to uphold their constructive engagement as outlined in the June 6, 2018 statement of the President of the Security Council on Libya. We support the efforts of the Presidency Council for Libya and the Libyan Government of National Accord to consolidate State institutions.

Working Together on Climate Change, Oceans and Clean Energy

23. A healthy planet and sustainable economic growth are mutually beneficial, and therefore, we are pursuing global efforts towards a sustainable and resilient future that creates jobs for our citizens. We firmly support the broad participation and leadership of young people, girls and women in promoting sustainable development. We collectively affirm our strong determination to achieve a clean environment, clean air, clean water and healthy soil. We commit to ongoing action to strengthen our collective energy security and demonstrate leadership in ensuring that our energy systems continue to drive sustainable economic growth. We recognise that each country may chart its own path to achieving a low-emission future. We look forward to adopting a common set of guidelines at UNFCCC COP 24.

24. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union reaffirm their strong commitment to implement the Paris Agreement, through ambitious climate action; in particular through reducing emissions while stimulating innovation, enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening and financing resilience and reducing vulnerability; as well as ensuring a just transition, including increasing efforts to mobilize climate finance from a wide variety of sources. We discussed the key role of energy transitions through the development of market based clean energy technologies and the importance of carbon pricing, technology collaboration and innovation to continue advancing economic growth and protect the environment as part of sustainable, resilient and low-carbon energy systems; as well as financing adaptive capacity. We reaffirm the commitment that we have made to our citizens to reduce air and water pollution and our greenhouse gas emissions to reach a global carbon-neutral economy over the course of the second half of the century. We welcome the adoption by the UN General Assembly of a resolution titled Towards a Global Pact for the Environment and look forward to the presentation of a report by the Secretary General in the next General Assembly.

25. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union will promote the fight against climate change through collaborative partnerships and work with all relevant partners, in particular all levels of government; local, Indigenous, remote coastal and small island communities; as well as with the private sector, international organizations and civil society to identify and assess policy gaps, needs and best practices. We recognize the contribution of the One Planet conferences to this collective effort.

26. The United States believes sustainable economic growth and development depends on universal access to affordable and reliable energy resources. It commits to ongoing action to strengthen the world’s collective energy security, including through policies that facilitates open, diverse, transparent, liquid and secure global markets for all energy sources. The United States will continue to promote energy security and economic growth in a manner that improves the health of the world’s oceans and environment, while increasing public-private investments in energy infrastructure and technology that advances the ability of countries to produce, transport, and use all available energy sources based on each country’s national circumstances. The United States will endeavour to work closely with other countries to help them access and use fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently and help deploy renewable and other clean energy sources, given the importance of energy access and security in their Nationally Determined Contributions. The United States believes in the key role of energy transitions through the development of market-based clean energy technologies and the importance of technology collaboration and innovation to continue advancing economic growth and protect the environment as part of sustainable, resilient, and clean energy systems. The United States reiterates its commitment to advancing sustainable economic growth, and underscores the importance of continued action to reduce air and water pollution.

27. Recognizing that healthy oceans and seas directly support the livelihoods, food security and economic prosperity of billions of people, we met with the heads of state or government of the Argentina, Bangladesh, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Norway, Rwanda (Chair of the African Union), Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Vietnam, and the heads of the United Nations, the IMF, the World Bank and the OECD, to discuss concrete actions to protect the health of marine environments and ensure a sustainable use of marine resources as part of a renewed agenda to increase global biodiversity protection. We endorse the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, and will improve oceans knowledge, promote sustainable oceans and fisheries, support resilient coasts and coastal communities and address ocean plastic waste and marine litter. Recognizing that plastics play an important role in our economy and daily lives but that the current approach to producing, using, managing and disposing of plastics and poses a significant threat to the marine environment, to livelihoods and potentially to human health, we the Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the European Union endorse the G7 Ocean Plastics Charter.

Conclusion

28. We share the responsibility of working together to stimulate sustainable economic growth that benefits everyone, in particular, those most at risk of being left behind. We would like to thank our citizens, civil society, the Gender Equality Advisory Council, the Formal G7 Engagement Groups and other partners for their meaningful input to Canada’s presidency. We welcome the offer of the President of France to host our next Summit in 2019 and his pledge to continue G7 leadership on our common agenda.

G7 Charlevoix Summit and Bilateral Summit Meetings: First Day

Cabinet Secretariat, Friday, June 8, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 8, 2018 (local time), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the G7 Charlevoix Summit and other events held in Canada.

Prime Minister Abe attended a session on the theme of economic growth that works for everyone, and then held talks, respectively, with the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, H.E. Prof. Giuseppe Conte, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, the Right Honourable Theresa May MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and H.E. Dr. Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

In the evening, Prime Minister Abe attended a working dinner on the theme of a more peaceful and secure world and other events.

Visit to the United States

Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, June 7, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 6, 2018 (local time), Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Washington D.C. in the United States of America.

On June 7, 2018 (local time), Prime Minister Abe held talks with the Honorable Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America, followed by a joint press conference.

General Meeting of the Japan Association of City Mayors

Cabinet Secretariat, Wednesday, June 6, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 6, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 15th meeting of the Council on Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy in Japan at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, there was discussion regarding the Basic Policy for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy 2018 (draft), and best practices in regional vitalization and the development of local economies.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, we received briefings from Mr. Kumano, Mr. Iizuka, and Ms. Mizukami, who are working hard in their respective local communities and producing results, on their initiatives.

It is exactly in the local communities that there are opportunities. Young people who believe in this are making the U-turns (from their hometown in a local district to city and back), I-turns (from their hometown in a local district to a different local district) and J-turns (from their hometown in a local district to a nearby city) and starting up businesses there. Women are unleashing their power to the fullest in their communities. As long as the opportunity presents itself, the local districts still have huge potential. I have renewed my sense on that.

In order to add momentum to this trend, we have compiled a policy package as the Government, focused on human resource development and job creation, which lie at the center of regional revitalization. For instance, it provides strong support for young people making U-, I- and J-turns, enables highly-motivated women and senior citizens to realize their full potential in their communities, and empowers foreign personnel who love Japan amidst the significant rise of inbound tourism.

With all the relevant ministries and agencies working together, fleshing out these initiatives and moving swiftly to implement them, we will further accelerate regional revitalization.

At the same time, we also received a proposal from Mr. Higuchi towards easing the excessive concentration of the population in Tokyo.

Based on the views expressed today, I intend for this Council to proceed with the review focused on town development, such as strengthening the functions of central and hub cities in the local districts, as the next policy issue.

Moving forward, we will fully support the willingness of those in the local districts, and promote regional revitalization throughout all of Japan.

I would like Minister Kajiyama to take the lead in finalizing the Basic Policy for Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy, based on the discussion today.”

Council on Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy

Cabinet Secretariat, Wednesday, June 6, 2018

Commemorative Ceremony for the 70th Anniversary of the Formation of the Japan Coast Guard

Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, June 4, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 4, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Commemorative Ceremony for the 70th Anniversary of the Formation of the Japan Coast Guard held in Tokyo, in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

The Prime Minister said in his congratulatory address,

“Today, in the gracious presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and on the occasion of the ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Japan Coast Guard, I would like to deliver some congratulatory remarks.

The Japan Coast Guard was established in 1948, soon after the end of World War II, embodying the mission of restoring peace to seas, which had become insecure and disordered.

For 70 years since then, the Japan Coast Guard has preserved peace at sea and supported Japan’s prosperity, steadfastly fulfilling its duties, including cracking down on maritime crime, guarding our territorial waters, ensuring the safety of maritime transportation, and conducting maritime surveys, all of which are important and difficult tasks but necessary to sustain Japan as an oceanic state.

Today, at a time when the situation in the waters surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe, maritime security has become an important pillar of our ocean policy.

Oceans which are free and in which the rule of law is respected throughout, where incidents are resolved peacefully without the use of force and in accordance with the law, can only be realized when like-minded countries work together to shape and strengthen the international maritime order.

I hope that the Japan Coast Guard, together with its counterparts from around the world that aspire to peace at sea, will continue to protect the infinite expanses of blue oceans with its radiant white patrol boats, and preserve them for future generations.

In closing, as the Prime Minister of Japan, I promise that the Government will take all possible measures to ensure that the Japan Coast Guard can continue to live up to the trust placed in it by the people and steadfastly fulfill its noble mission of protecting the seas.”

Council on Investments for the Future

Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, June 4, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 4, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 17th meeting of the Council on Investments for the Future at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, discussion was held on the initial draft of the Investments for the Future Strategy 2018 and on achieving growth through investments in energy and the environment.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, we had briefings on the latest trends surrounding the environment and the economy. ESG (environment, social, and governance) investments have grown by more than 1 quadrillion yen compared to 2012. Flows of global funds are changing significantly, including an increase in green bond issuance by 50 times.

Measures against global warming are no longer a cost for companies. They are a source of competitiveness. Companies that actively fight against environmental issues attract funds from all around the world, enabling them to prepare for the next phase of their growth and take further measures. This change, which can truly be called a virtuous cycle between the environment and growth, has spread throughout the world at an amazing pace in the past five years or so.

Up until now, measures against global warming have consisted of obligatory measures in response to the Government’s initiatives. Meanwhile, if we are to lead the way towards decarbonization by 2050, we can no longer take such an approach. A paradigm shift is needed such that the virtuous cycle between the environment and growth is accelerated and technological innovations led by businesses are encouraged.

Firstly, we will stimulate active green finance, not by adhering to existing forms of regulations, but by advancing the disclosure of information and transparency.

Secondly, we will promote measures on a global scale, including developing countries, by shifting from support centered on public funding to private financing led by businesses.

Thirdly, we will combine the wisdom of not only the public and private sectors but also Japan, the United States, and Europe as well as the rest of the world, setting ambitious goals towards fostering revolutionary innovation.

Under such directions, I intend to assemble experts from every field, including finance, the economy, and academia, establish an expert panel for setting out a new vision that is not limited by past precedent, and request relevant ministries and agencies to accelerate its considerations with this council, towards the establishment of a long-term strategy based on the Paris Agreement.

In addition, today, we also held discussions on the initial draft of the Investments for the Future Strategy 2018.

Amid the rapid advancement of the digital revolution, fierce competition is spreading around the world over data and personnel that create values. We must not sit idly by as this happens. Japan must lead the world on such advancement towards Society 5.0.

The coming few years will be a critical moment for our country. I declare this year to be the first year of the fourth industrial revolution. We will utilize technologies in every field to materialize the productivity revolution.

For that purpose, in priority areas such as the autonomous driving, healthcare, and e-government fields, we will establish public-private councils to gather wisdom from the public and private sectors, and promote flagship projects that can be the driving force behind such revolutions.

In addition, we will take on the challenge of implementing bold regulatory reforms that will serve as the foundation to materialize social change, and promote the creation of ecosystems that can produce innovation, including reforms of education systems, such as efforts to foster AI personnel, and university reforms.

I intend for this Council to prepare a new and ambitious growth strategy, taking on the challenge of major reforms to the socioeconomic system towards Society 5.0. Thank you.”

Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties

Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, June 4, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 4, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Liaison Meeting of the Government and Ruling Parties at the Prime Minister's Office.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address,

“Circumstances permitting, I will visit Washington D.C. from June 6, and hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting. Shortly before the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, together with President Trump, I hope to exchange the latest information and coordinate the direction of our future policies towards North Korea.

We will promote close coordination between Japan and the U.S. to ensure that the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting serves as an opportunity to make progress on the various outstanding issues of concern, such as the abduction, nuclear, and missile issues.

In particular, concerning the abduction issue, which is of the highest priority, I want to reaffirm that Japan and the United States will continue to work closely together to resolve this issue towards the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting.

Following my visit to Washington D.C., I will visit Canada. On June 8 and June 9, I will attend the G7 Summit to be held in Charlevoix, Quebec. In light of the emergence of protectionist and isolationist sentiments and concerns over growing uncertainty surrounding the global economy and trade, I hope to hold frank discussions among the G7 leaders on this subject. Japan intends to lead efforts to sustain and strengthen the system of free and fair trade, and create rules that are win-win for the entire global economy.

With respect to the North Korean issues, I hope to issue a strong statement as the G7 leaders to support the success of the U.S.-North Korea summit meeting, confirming our basic directions with President Trump, who is to hold the summit meeting afterwards.

In the Diet, there continue to be deliberations on important bills such as the Bill to Ratify the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Draft Bill on Development of Specified Complex Tourist Facilities Areas (Draft IR Development Bill).

Just a moment ago, at the introduction as well as questions and answers on the work style reform bills, I have just explained point by point the significance of the reforms and how we will respond to the concerns of the public.

In particular, I would like to emphasize once again that these reforms will realize a society in which people can choose from a variety of work styles suited to their individual circumstances, for example, by eliminating the irrational gaps in the treatment of permanent and temporary workers, and by correcting the practice of working long hours, and that these are reforms undertaken from the perspective of working people.

I hope to enact as many of these bills as possible before the end of the current Diet session and advance the relevant measures. In this regard, I would like to ask for the cooperation of the ruling parties. The Government will continue to strive to make careful explanations.

Due to the series of issues concerning government documents, the public’s confidence in the Government has been shaken. I feel deeply responsible as the head of the Government. Based on an investigation and revelation of the facts, we will identify all problems and implement effective measures, including review of organizations and systems, pursuing what needs to be done to improve the mindset of individual civil servants, while also sufficiently taking into consideration the recommendations we received from the ruling parties working group on April 27.

Last week, I received valuable proposals from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, as well as joint proposals from both parties, toward the compilation of the Basic Policy and the Investments for the Future Strategy.

I hope to advance this compilation work in close coordination with the ruling parties, and I ask for your kind cooperation.”

Council for Promotion of Regulatory Reform

Cabinet Secretariat, Monday, June 4, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 4, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the 34th meeting of the Council for Promotion of Regulatory Reform at the Prime Minister’s Office.

During the meeting, the third report on regulatory reform promotion was finalized.

After receiving the report from Ms. Hiroko Ota, Chair of the Council, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, the Council finalized the compilation of the report, following the previous one in the end of last year. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of the members of this Council, including Chair Ota and Acting Chair Kanemaru, for the intensive discussions you have carried out.

We must quickly adapt to the rapid technological innovation we are seeing in the world, referred to by some as the ‘fourth industrial revolution,’ and close all so-called ‘governance gaps.’ The times demand us to execute bold regulatory reforms.

This report includes a number of highly in-depth proposals for reforming the forestry and fishery industries, aimed at promoting the active use of cutting-edge technology and improving the productivity in the agriculture, forestry, and fishery industries in one fell swoop.

Furthermore, the Council has presented various bold proposals in a wide range of fields toward Society 5.0, including regulatory reforms related to medication guidance aimed at the full-fledged expansion of online medical care.

In addition, concerning regulatory reforms related to broadcasting, it has also given many concrete proposals in just a short period of time, including the establishment of business models that transcend the boundaries of telecommunications and broadcasting, such as the promotion of simulcasting on the internet, and reforms to the management structure of local broadcasters.

Led by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, I ask that you continue to advance comprehensive discussions about future-oriented broadcasting based on the valuable proposals that have been raised in this Council thus far and from the perspectives of innovation, global practices, and, most importantly, users.

Based on the report submitted today, we will prepare a regulatory reform action plan immediately, and implement the proposed reforms at the earliest possible timing. I ask for the continuing cooperation of everyone in this Council towards bold regulatory reforms.

Regulatory reforms are the main driver of Abenomics. The Abe Cabinet will continue to work as one and exert every effort to achieve these reforms.”

Council for Designing 100-Year Life Society

Cabinet Secretariat, Friday, June 1, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 1, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 8th meeting of the Council for Designing 100-Year Life Society at the Prime Minister’s Office.

At the meeting, a discussion took place on compilation work.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Today, we had a discussion towards the compilation of a basic design based on the draft outline that had been prepared. As we work to compile the basic design, I would like us to move forward with our considerations in the following manner.

First, in regard to making early childhood education free, we will broadly expand the options for children to receive pre-school education, free of charge, to include even non-authorized facilities, including daycares in kindergartens, regardless of whether they receive eligibility for admission into an authorized childcare center.

Second, regarding university reforms, we will set out a clear direction on issues such as clarification of the roles and functions of each university, the improvement of the quality of education by incorporating the opinions of external experts, the visualization of the skills that students acquire, its utilization in the companies’ recruitment activities, the improvement of universities’ management capabilities through the hiring of external board members, and the development of an environment for universities’ collaboration and integration.

Third, concerning recurrent education (continuing education), we will formulate concrete policies on the enhancement of education and training grant programs, and recurrent education (continuing education) for engineers and other employees.

Fourth, we will work to create an environment to facilitate continued employment beyond the age of 65. We will construct a non-uniform evaluation and remuneration system to reflect the diverse conditions in the employment of the elderly, whereby there exist differences in ability among individuals.

I hope to compile a basic plan by the next Council meeting and I would like Minister Motegi to prepare detailed drafts based on the aforementioned policy direction. I would also like to ask the expert members of the Council to continue to engage in active discussions. Thank you.”

Annual General Assembly of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)

Cabinet Secretariat, Thursday, May 31, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On May 31, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the Annual General Assembly of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) held in Tokyo.

In his address, the Prime Minister said,

“Thank you very much for inviting me here today.

First, Chairman Sakakibara, thank you so much for your hard work and your services. I am honored to have an opportunity to work together closely with you and promote Abenomics. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my deep gratitude for your cooperation.

Over these past four years, we have significantly advanced corporate governance reforms. Nowadays, it is the standard for publicly listed companies to appoint at least two external board directors. Agriculture, medicine, and energy; we have also challenged bedrock regulations like these one after another in various fields. Japan is currently exerting tremendous leadership to extend economic zones across the world based on free and fair rules such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and an economic partnership agreement (EPA) with Europe.

We have also brought the corporate tax rate down to the 20% range. There are few Keidanren Chairpersons who have achieved that range of significant corporate tax rate reduction. I hope you will all join me in expressing our respect for Chairman Sakakibara’s leadership with a round of applause.

Having said that, I don’t believe he did all this work with a narrow view of just focusing on increasing the profits of Keidanren member companies. Am I right, Chairman?

First and foremost, we are determined to get rid of the deflationary mindset that has seeped in across this country due to the deflation for almost 20 years. We aim to increase global competitiveness through bold challenges, and incorporate growth around the world into the economic growth of Japan. By doing so, we will strongly revitalize the Japanese economy by creating a virtuous economic cycle. With this determination, the Government has been strongly releasing sets of the three arrows, working together with the business community. That is why I have asked Chairman Sakakibara to increase wages, feel terribly sorry for bothering him, each time I visit this Kaikan building.

The members of Keidanren have kindly taken to heart this determination. During Chairman Sakakibara’s tenure, simply adding up the values of wage increases reported in the series of Keidanren’s studies, the monthly income has increased by over 31,000 yen over these past four years. Few Keidanren Chairmen in recent years have achieved this kind of wage increase. In particular, this year, I have requested a wage increase of 3% or more. It is rather a high hurdle as a goal. That said, according to the survey on major companies recently conducted by Keidanren, amazingly, 76% of them have increased wages on an annual salary basis by 3% or more. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your efforts.

Incoming Chairman Nakanishi, I am not saying all of this to put pressure on you. We are facing a crucial moment for the exit from deflation, something that has been our ardent wish for many years. Under the new leadership of Mr. Nakanishi, I hope to further accelerate Abenomics, with the continued cooperation of Keidanren and everyone else gathering here.

Over these past five years, employment has increased by 2.5 million people. The number of people in regular employment has increased by 780,000. We have also recovered the 500,000 jobs lost when the Democratic Party of Japan was in power. This spring, the employment rate for new university graduates is estimated to reach 98%. That is the highest result ever for that figure.

Meanwhile, personnel shortages are becoming a serious problem all across the country. Challenging times create opportunities. Artificial intelligence, robots, the Internet of Things (IoT). We must maintain the strong will to continue to pursue productivity revolutions by making use of these latest innovations. We will take up the challenge of boldly reforming socioeconomic systems in order to materialize Society 5.0 ahead of the rest of the world. That is the goal of the new Growth Strategy, which we are to compile very soon.

Various institutions and systems are struggling to keep pace with the rapid speed of technological innovation. Overcoming this governance gap was a major topic of discussion at this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos and the Abe Cabinet will take up this challenge. In the current session of the Diet, we recently passed a bill to establish a regulatory sandbox system. We will move quickly to put this system into operation next month. I hope that you can all utilize this new scheme to take up new challenges in revolutionary business fields, including FinTech.

In 2020, from Haneda Airport to Odaiba, autonomous vehicles will escort visitors from around the world. If people have a smartphone, they will be able to make cashless purchases. This is the kind of society we aim to achieve in two years’ time and the Government will also take up the challenge of implementing bold structural reforms to this end.

We must also reform the current approach to human resource development and education. A survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry projects a shortfall of nearly 800,000 information technology (IT) personnel by 2030. Literacy in information technology or information processing, such as artificial intelligence and big data, is already the modern-day equivalent of reading, writing and arithmetic.

From FY2020, computer coding education will start in elementary schools. We will encourage learning of science and mathematics regardless of whether students wish to specialize in liberal arts, humanities and social sciences or math, sciences and engineering. For university entrance exams as well, we are also looking to add informatics as a mandatory subject much like Japanese, mathematics and English. In addition, we will continue to advance reform towards the transition to a new education system that is better suited in the era of Society 5.0, including creating new degree programs that transcend silos among departments such as the department of science and the department of engineering, in order to develop advanced AI and IT personnel.

The reform of universities, which are the centers for creating innovation, is an issue that can wait no longer.

We will review the management subsidies scheme for universities. We will reform the allocation method for subsidies to incentivize universities to make efforts to engage in management reforms and make active attempts to procure private sector funds. We will also expand the annual salary system for researchers and thoroughly implement measures to ensure that salary levels are determined based on performance evaluation. In addition, by enhancing research grants for young researchers, we aim to further increase opportunities for such young researchers to play active roles.

We will make Japan the country that is best suited for innovation in the world. The Government will compile an integrated innovation strategy next month, looking to the future and with a view to creating an innovation ecosystem in that end.

A short while ago, the House of Representatives passed the work style reform bill in the plenary session. Based on the agreement of both the business community and the labor community, we will introduce regulations that set maximum limits on long working hours for the first time. We will realize equal pay for equal work. These are the most historic, wide-ranging reforms in the 70 years since the enactment of the Labor Standards Law. The time is now for us to create a society in which diverse working styles are possible, responding to people’s individual circumstances, including childcare and nursing care. With this strong conviction, I am determined to realize work style reform during the current session of the Diet.

We will also bring forward to the greatest extent possible the revolution in human resource development, for which we have received the cooperation of the business community. To coincide with the increase in the consumption tax rate in October next year, we will realize in one fell swoop the provision of early childhood education for free, for children between the ages of three and five. We will make tuition fees free at universities and other higher education institutions for those children who are truly in need, creating a society in which everyone can go to a specialized vocational college or university if they have the ambition to do so, no matter how difficult their family financial circumstances are.

With an eye firmly on the future we will implement a major shift towards a social security system oriented to all generations. Abenomics is now closing in on those fundamental reforms. We will take up the challenge of major reforms to the socioeconomic system in a 100-year life society.

Incoming Chairman Nakanishi and members of Keidanren, we have much work to do. A piecemeal approach is insufficient. We must do everything we can. People often ask whether this is really possible. Even thinking whether it is really possible creates a barrier to achieving it.

Before the inauguration of the Abe Cabinet, it used to be said that the number of foreign visitors to Japan would be unlikely to ever exceed 10 million visitors a year. It was thought that visitor numbers would peak at 7 or 8 million a year and fall off thereafter. At the time the Abe Cabinet set a target of achieving 20 million visitors a year, which many criticized as reckless. Criticism alone creates nothing. Visitor numbers are now increasing towards the 30 million mark. In addition, exports of agricultural products have smashed records every year for five consecutive years and now exceed 800 billion yen, meaning that our target of 1 trillion yen in agricultural exports is now in reach. The number of new farmers under 40 years of age has also risen to above 20,000 and has continued to increase, reaching truly historic highs. Agriculture is undergoing major changes and young people are looking to devote their lives and careers to this sector. Now, they have started to recognize that agriculture is an area in which they can find new ways to put their knowledge to work.

Shohei Otani, a baseball player, has continued to perform outstandingly, demonstrating his two-way skills brilliantly, even after transferring to the Major League in the U.S. If you try, it is possible to achieve anything. It was said that a two-way role in the Major League would be impossible, but nonetheless Otani is now looking to grasp the record of Babe Ruth. It is really a question of will. If you have the will and the determination you can surmount any barrier. The Abe Cabinet remains determined to continue to prioritize economic measures, with the cooperation of the members of Keidanren.

I would like to close by reiterating my deepest appreciation to Chairman Mr. Sakakibara and requesting the continued cooperation of Incoming Chairman Nakanishi. I would also like to wish all of you in attendance today even further success in your endeavors. Thank you for your kind attention.

Headquarters on Creating Dynamism in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Industries and Local Communities

Cabinet Secretariat, Friday, June 1, 2018

[Provisional Translation]

On June 1, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the 23rd meeting of the Headquarters on Creating Dynamism in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Industries and Local Communities at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the meeting, there was discussion on the state of progress on key measures in the Plan for Creating Dynamism in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Industries and Local Communities, newly identified policy issues, and a draft amendment to the Plan for Creating Dynamism in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery Industries and Local Communities.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“The Abe Cabinet has been promoting reforms on all aspects of administration over agriculture, forestry and fishery with the resolve to create strong agriculture and beautiful and vibrant farming, mountain and fishing villages. We will further accelerate the reforms we have implemented so far, and work to quickly get new reforms on track as well. There will be no change to this policy.

We will ramp up our efforts to enhance the performance of various initiatives: the intermediary organizations for farm consolidation (farmland banks) and agricultural, forestry and fishery product and food exports. We will quickly set a forest bank to work and put forestry industry reforms on track.

Concerning the fishery industry, we will quickly work on the necessary legislation and sufficient budgetary measures, in accordance with the concrete reform measures approved today. By doing so, we will strike a balance between the appropriate management of fishery resources and efforts to turn the fishery industry into a growth industry, increasing the incomes of people in the fishery industry and making fisheries into an attractive industry for young people.

Furthermore, in terms of newly identified policy issues, we will strongly promote both the development of advanced technologies that will dramatically enhance productivity in the agriculture, forestry and fishery industries, as well as their installment in these industries.

I hope to continue to tackle these issues head on and produce results without fail. I ask for the continued efforts of all relevant parties as we work to launch a new era for these industries, whereby young people can work in them with hopes and dreams.”

Suspicion of illegal ship-to-ship transfers of goods by SAM JONG 2, North Korean-flagged tanker, and MYONG RYU 1

Foreign Affairs, Friday, June 1, 2018

1. Overview

In the daytime on May 24, 2018, a JS 'UMIGIRI' (Escort Division12: Kure) of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force found that SAM JONG 2（IMO number：7408873）, North Korean-flagged tanker, was lying alongside a tanker of unknown nationality on which “MYONG RYU 1” was indicated, on the high sea (around 250km eastern offshore of Shanghai ) in the East China Sea.

Judging from the fact that the two vessels lay alongside each other and connected hoses, both vessels could have been engaged in some type of activity. Following a comprehensive assessment, the Government of Japan strongly suspects that they conducted ship-to-ship transfers banned by UNSCR.

In March, 2018, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1718 designated SAM JONG 2 as a vessel subject to assets freeze and prohibited from port entry.

2. Japan’s Response

Japan notified the Security Council Committee of this incident and shared information with related countries.

Japan-EU Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Meeting

Foreign Affairs, Thursday, May 31, 2018

On May 31 at 3:20pm-3:35pm (JST), Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, talked over phone with Ms. Federica Mogherini, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission. The overview is as follows.

1. With regard to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on Iran’s nuclear issue, Minister Kono reiterated Japan’s position to continue to support the JCPOA. The Ministers confirmed the importance of continuous implementation of the JCPOA by relevant parties and agreed to cooperate closely to maintain the plan.

2. The Ministers also agreed that Japan and the EU continue to cooperate closely to realize complete, verifiable, and irreversible disarmament by North Korea of all weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and ballistic missiles of all ranges.

3. The Ministers confirmed their intention to further cooperate toward the early signing and entry into force of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).

Establishment of an Independent Commission of Enquiry by the Myanmar Government and the Agreement on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Myanmar Government and the UN Agencies concerning their Activities in Northern Rakhine State (Statement by Foreign Minister Taro Kono)

Foreign Affairs, Friday, June 1, 2018

1 On May 31 (same day local time), the Government of Myanmar announced that it will establish an Independent Commission of Enquiry, including an international personality, concerning the violation of human rights and related issues in Northern Rakhine State since 25 August 2017, and that the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population of Myanmar, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) agreed on the texts of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for repatriation and resettlement of the displaced persons to Northern Rakhine State.

2 The Government of Japan welcomes these as important key progress towards improvement of the human rights and humanitarian situation and the “voluntary, safe and dignified” repatriation of the displaced persons to Northern Rakhine State.

3 The Government of Japan has repeatedly urged the Government of Myanmar to implement an investigation of the alleged human rights violations in Northern Rakhine State. We expect that the Independent Commission of Enquiry will implement a credible and transparent investigation and that appropriate measures will be taken as a result of the investigation.

4 This MOU will be the foundation for these UN agencies to conduct activities in Northern Rakhine State for the first time since the attacks in August 2017. Consindering the importance of the prompt and steady implementation of the repatriation, the Government of Japan has made efforts to bridge between the Government of Myanmar and the UN agencies for the early conclusion of the MOU. The Government of Japan strongly hopes that these UN agencies will promptly commence activities in the area based on the MOU, that the Government of Myanmar will accelerate creating conditions for receiving the returned persons, and that this will lead to progress in actual repatriation and resettlement.

5 The Government of Japan will continue to support the efforts by the Governments of Myanmar and Bangladesh for improvement of the situation in Rakhine State.

Japan-Uganda Foreign Ministers’ Working Dinner

Foreign Affairs, Monday, June 4, 2018

On June 4, commencing at around 6:50 p.m. for approximately 75 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a working dinner with Hon. Sam Kahamba Kutesa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of Uganda, who was making a working visit to Japan upon invitation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The overview is as follows.

1. Minister Kono welcomed Minister Kutesa to Japan and expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of Uganda thus far in the TICAD process. In response, Minister Kutesa expressed gratitude for Japan’s contribution to the development of Africa, including Uganda, and to the peace and stability of the international community. The two Ministers confirmed their collaboration for the success of TICAD ministerial meeting in 2018 and TICAD7 in 2019.

2. On the issue of North Korea, the two Ministers shared the views that it is important to urge North Korea to take concrete actions including through the US-North Korea Summit. They reaffirmed their cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue.

3. In addition, the two ministers shared the intention to collaborate to advance the reform of the United Nations Security Council. They also exchanged views on the situation in East Africa and cooperation in the international arena.

4. Following the meeting a Japan-Uganda Foreign Ministers’ Joint Press Statement was issued.

Japan- Australia-India- U.S. Consultations

Foreign Affairs, Thursday, June 7, 2018

1. On June 7, the Japan-U.S.-Australia-India Consultations was held in Singapore. The four countries reaffirmed shared support for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region where all countries respect sovereignty and international law, freedom of navigation and overflight, and sustainable development.

2. The four countries confirmed a common commitment to uphold and strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific, with shared democratic values in mind. The four countries discussed ways to achieve shared goals, including in development and connectivity; good governance; regional security, including counterterrorism and nonproliferation; and maritime cooperation.

3. The four countries strongly supported ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific region, and reaffirmed that ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), play an indispensable role in the region. The four countries also noted that they each have an important role to play in safeguarding and strengthening the open, transparent, inclusive and rules-based regional order in the Indo-Pacific region.

4. The four countries agreed to partner with countries and institutions in the region to promote the shared vision of rendering the Indo-Pacific region peaceful and prosperous and to hold Consultations on a regular basis.

Multilateral Security Dialogues (IISS Asia Security Summit (Speech by Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera) published

Ministry of Defense, Tuesday, June 5, 2018

(Provisional Translation)

Speech by Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera

IISS Shangri-La Dialogue
17th Asia Security Summit
Singapore, June 2, 2018

Second Plenary Session

“De-escalating the North Korean Crisis”

Dr. Chipman, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am truly honored to attend this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue for the first time in four years since I last attended as Defense Minister.

I am delighted to take the podium here in Singapore to discuss the North Korean situation. This is undoubtedly the most crucial and imminent topic within the current security environment, given the planned US-North Korean Summit on June 12th in this city. I am particularly delighted to join my two fellow ministers: Minister of National Defense Song from the Republic of Korea, who is working tirelessly to progress dialogue with North Korea, and Minister of National Defence Sajjan from Canada, the hosting country of the G7 Summit Meeting next week to lead the discussion on the North Korean issue. I would like to express
my profound gratitude to the International Institute for Strategic Studies and those concerned in the Government of Singapore for hosting such an important dialogue at this time. Today, I wish to share some of what Japan is doing to resolve the issue of North Korea, as well as
Japan’s determination in working towards long-term stability and the development of the Indo-Pacific region.

Five years ago, in 2013, I spoke at the Shangri-La Dialogue on North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs. I described them as a serious threat that would undermine the peace and security of the international community and that it was absolutely unacceptable. I also
stated that Japan, in close coordination with the United States and South Korea, strongly called on North Korea to comply with the obligations pursuant to relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, and to halt acts of provocations, and to take concrete actions towards denuclearization.

I also touched on North Korea’s abduction issue, as this was relevant to countries around the world including Thailand, Lebanon and Romania, in addition to Japan and South Korea. I asked for cooperation in resolving such a violation of basic human rights, as this was a universal problem for the international community as a whole.

This was five years ago, and I remember enjoying strong support and affirmative remarks from the Shangri-La audience. Since then, Japan’s stance on North Korea has remained unchanged.

In the meantime, however, nuclear and missile programs under the Kim Jong Un regime have further developed. In particular, North Korea has launched as many as 40 ballistic missiles in the last two years, with many of them impacting Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Furthermore, two ballistic missiles flew over Japan and fell into the Pacific Ocean over the past year.

It is now possible that North Korea’s ballistic missiles can reach many countries and regions around the world, including the United States mainland, posing a grave threat to the whole international community. As for the nuclear program, North Korea has conducted three nuclear tests over the last two years, including a test conducted last September, which likely involved their largest explosion ever, estimated to be ten times as powerful as the atomic bomb that hit Hiroshima.

To deal with North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments, the United Nations Security Council, including China and Russia, has adopted sanction resolutions. The international community has been putting pressure on North Korea in accordance with these resolutions, by drastically curbing the supply of crude oil and oil products and cutting its source of foreign currency by restricting coal exports and dispatch of workers to other countries.

As a result of internationally concerted pressure, we have started to observe changes in North Korea’s rhetoric and behavior since the beginning of this year. Capturing this opportunity, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has taken a proactive step, and the Inter-Korean Summit was held in Panmunjeom on April 27th. This summit produced the “Panmunjeom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula,” which confirmed in writing the intention of North Korea’s Chairman of the State Affairs Commission Kim Jong Un to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. I take this as a positive sign toward comprehensive resolution of various issues concerning North Korea, and I would like to express my sincere and profound respect to the efforts made by the Korean government led by President Moon and Defense Minister Song to get to where we are today.

The U.S.-North Korea Summit will take place on June 12th, as President Trump has made the announcement, and it is strongly hoped that the summit will become an opportunity for concrete, substantial progress towards a complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of all North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction including biological and chemical weapons and ballistic missiles of all flight ranges, in addition to a breakthrough in the Japanese abduction issue.

Ladies and gentlemen, let us now take a moment to reflect on the last quarter of the century. We have seen history repeat where North Korea would declare to denuclearize, thereby portraying itself as conciliatory and forthcoming, only to turn around to void all international efforts toward peace. For example, North Korea once agreed to fulfill the “Agreed Framework between the United States of America and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” in 1994, but it actually continued its nuclear development in secrecy. Similarly, North Korea promised to give up all nuclear weapons and its existing nuclear programs in the joint statement of the 2005 Six-Party Talks. Instead of following through with this promise, Pyongyang went ahead with its first nuclear experiment in 2006, threatening surrounding countries with a series of ballistic missile launches which continued until last year.

In light of how North Korea has behaved in the past, I believe that it is important not to reward North Korea solely for agreeing to have a dialogue. The only way to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula is to ensure that North Korea will take concrete actions toward realizing the CVID of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all flight ranges in accordance with a series of UN Security Council resolutions, and I believe that this is the only means to bring about peace in the Korean Peninsula.

As defense authorities, we have two major roles to play in resolving these issues. The first role is to maintain current maximum pressure on North Korea in tandem with diplomatic efforts. As U. S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has often stated, the role of the defense authorities
is to support diplomacy and ensure that the diplomats can speak from a position of strength. North Korea now finds itself seeking peace dialogue with the Republic of Korea and the United States, as the result of concerted, maximum pressure by the international community. It is essential that the international defense community maintain maximum pressure until North Korea completes the process of CVID for all WMDs and ballistic missiles of all ranges. Just before arriving here, President Trump, who just received a letter from Kim Jong Un, has
reportedly said that he would like to no longer use the term “maximum pressure.” On the other hand, I know that President Trump said that he would not lift sanctions until North Korea agrees to denuclearization, and I understand the pressure will remain in place. I believe that this will lead to the solution of this challenge.

One way to do this is to continue the efforts to prevent North Korea’s illegal ship-to-ship transfer of oil and other goods to evade the sanctions originating from UN Security Council resolutions. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard engage in monitoring and surveillance at sea to give out “warnings” to suspicious ships. Since April, multinational surveillance activities operating out of Okinawa have been conducted by patrol aircraft of the United States, Canada and Australia, along with information gathering efforts by a British Royal Navy warship. We need to maintain these activities under multilateral collaboration.

The second point is to maintain and strengthen deterrence. Until we see North Korea’s current possession of WMD and ballistic missiles rectified, defense authorities need to remain fully prepared to respond to any situations that may arise. Japan is working to build up defense capabilities, strengthen vigilance and surveillance against ballistic missiles, and with JapanUS alliance at the core, enhance collaboration with countries such as South Korea and Australia through joint exercises and other means.

So far, I have discussed how we should draw a pledge out of North Korea on CVID of WMDs and ballistic missiles, and on concrete steps to fulfill this promise. However, the international community and defense authorities, should take additional steps and to be committed to ensuring North Korea’s progress even after the country starts taking concrete measures.

Some of these phases, including the inspection phase at the beginning and the verification phase following disposal, must undergo adequate processes overseen by international organizations. This would include the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) in the case of nuclear facilities, and the OPCW (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons), in the case of chemical weapons.

Japan has experience in many related areas in this regard, having dispatched personnel with missile and chemical weapons expertise to support Iraq’s disposal of WMDs. Japan has also sent many JSDF personnel to the OPCW and has first-hand experience in removing the highly poisonous chemical sarin following the gas attack on the Tokyo subway. If North Korea is seriously committed to dismantling its WMDs, Japan is ready to give full support where we have expertise, including through the dispatch of personnel to the OPCW and trainingpersonnel from international organizations at JGSDF Chemical School.

In addition, until the disposal of WMDs is completed, preventing these arsenals from spreading to third countries and terrorists is another important issue. Japan has been an active participant in the Proliferation Security Initiative, and perhaps we can reinforce these efforts, by strengthening collaboration through multilateral training, and providing capacity building assistance to partner countries in the region to enhance collaboration between defense and law enforcement authorities in the future.

As we have just seen, members of defense authorities are making a concerted effort to address the issue of North Korea. But the Indo-Pacific region also has various risks of geo-political and geo-economic nature that we must address at the same time.

Natural disasters, which may be referred to as geo-physical risks, are one example of the security risks that need to be addressed by this region as a whole. The Pacific Rim and the coastal areas of Indian Ocean, in particular, are prone to large-scale natural disasters such as mega-earthquakes and tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, and cyclones. Climate change may also exacerbate the risk of natural disasters.

My home town of Miyagi Prefecture was badly affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. On a personal level, my home did not escape damage, but much more tragically, many lives were lost as a result of this disaster. However, countries from around the world quickly sent relief missions, who saved many lives by working closely with relevant ministries and agencies including the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Hoping to reciprocate this warm support from all over the world, and to make the most out of our experience, Japan now engages in capacity building assistance with ASEAN and other countries in the field of HA/DR. Our tragic experience has proven that many lives can be saved if defense authorities from around the world cooperate closely on the actual job of disaster relief.

To ensure regional stability and prosperity, we need a concerted approach across the region in addressing various security challenges, including those of maritime security and terrorism. The Indo-Pacific is increasingly becoming the center of the global economy, and we hope to contribute to efforts to maintain it as a free, open, and rules-based “global commons,” that can bring wealth and prosperity to all countries in the region. Japan seeks to enhance a free and open Indo-Pacific as part of its regional strategy, and we will do so with maximum regard and respect to ASEAN’s centrality and unity so that it will help further the development of ASEAN, which is central to security in the Indo-Pacific.

Economic prosperity can be achieved only if peace and stability are ensured. This is why defense authorities of this region must work together to address various security risks in a collective manner. Distinguished guests, my fellow defense ministers, members of defense
establishments, I feel very certain that we can all demonstrate unity in ensuring the security of each country, its people, as well as that of the region. And this in turn will help us successfully overcome the issue of North Korea and add huge momentum in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

It is necessary for us to address the security challenges of today under a long-term approach and holding a vision for a distant future. Therefore, it is vital that the cooperative relationships enjoyed by defense authorities today are passed down to young officers who work hard at the forefront of national defense.

When the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, young members of the Japan Self Defense Forces and foreign militaries such as the U.S. Forces who came to Japan to give us assistance, saved many lives in the affected areas in cooperation with each other. We believe that “Kizuna,” or comradeship, is the key to shaping the future. Based on this belief, we engage in various efforts to foster “Kizuna,”including by inviting young officers from around the world to ship rider programs onboard Maritime Self Defense Force’s ships. We hope that having a common experience in such programs will help them work together on common security threats, regardless of their positions, in the coming ten, twenty years when they play leading roles in their defense authorities. Recognizing the importance of fostering these relationships, we will continue to give efforts to form Kizuna among young officers who have the future in their hands.

Ladies and gentlemen, please take a moment to imagine North Korea being inside the circle of such “Kizuna.” In North Korea, precious lives were taken away by many natural disasters such as the large-scale flood caused by a typhoon in 2016. If North Korea, having solved the issues of abduction, and nuclear and missile development, comes back to international society, it will not only benefit North Korea, but also further strengthen the peace and stability of this region.

To realize this, I would like to again underline that it is important that North Korea takes concrete measures towards comprehensive resolution of these issues. Japan continues to work together with the like-minded countries to maintain the peace and stability in the region.

Lastly, once again, on June 12th here in Singapore, there is a plan of holding the US-North Korea Summit. We hope every success of the summit meeting.

Thank you.

Announcement of Selected Competitive IT Strategy Companies and Noteworthy IT Strategy Companies for 2018

METI, Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) have jointly been conducting the selection of outstanding companies for their efforts for IT utilization since FY2014.

METI hereby announces that 32 Competitive IT Strategy Companies and 22 Noteworthy IT Strategy Companies were selected for 2018, the fourth year of this program.

1. Competitive IT Strategy Companies
The program targets TSE-listed companies proactively engaging in efforts for IT utilization to improve management innovations, earnings and productivity from the perspective of improving mid- to long-term corporate value and fortifying competitiveness. METI and the TSE select such companies among all TSE-listed companies as Competitive IT Strategy Company Stocks by industry and introduce them to the public.

In particular, in the 2018 program, METI and the TSE focused on the assessment of companies based on the efforts for utilizing cutting-edge technologies, e.g., IoT, big data, AI and robots, which will contribute to the realization of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, so as to create new business models and corporate value. Additionally, efforts for renovating legacy systems were highly evaluated from the standpoint of future prospects and possibilities.

To assess companies' current efforts for IT utilization, METI conducted a survey titled "2018 Survey of Competitive IT Strategies," targeting all TSE-listed companies. In screening candidate companies, METI assigned scores to the responses concerning the following five areas and financial situation, and finally selected 32 companies screened by the final examination of the examination committee.

I. Utilization of IT to increase corporate value in terms of management policies and plans
II. Strategic utilization of IT to increase corporate value
IIII. Systems and personnel for promoting the Competitive IT Strategy
IV. Fundamental initiatives supporting the Competitive IT Strategy
V. Initiatives focused on evaluating and improving IT investment to increase corporate value
< Selection criteria >

i. Score of the questionnaire responses and ROE should be above a specified level.
ii. Assessment score by the examination committee should be above a specified level.
iii. Companies should be committing no violations of law and regulations.

2. List of the 2018 Competitive IT Strategy Companies (32 companies, in the order of industry category and securities code)

3. List of the 2018 Noteworthy IT Strategy Companies (22 companies, in the order of industry category and securities code)

In this new category, METI and the TSE selected companies that marked high scores in the comprehensive evaluation or those engaging in noteworthy IT efforts, excluding those selected as the 2018 Competitive IT Strategy Companies. METI and the TSE publicize the selected companies in this category aiming to expand the base of the program, in light of outstanding efforts for IT utilization being made by many other companies.

Release date
May 30, 2018

Division in Charge
IT Innovation Division, Commerce and Information Policy Bureau

JICA President Kitaoka Holds Talks With Vietnamese President Quang

JICA, Thursday, June 7, 2018

JICA President Shinichi Kitaoka held talks with Vietnamese President Trần Đại Quang on June 1 in Tokyo.

Mr. Quang began by thanking Mr. Kitaoka for the large contribution Japanese ODA has made to the development of Vietnam. The two men then discussed, for Vietnam’s further sustainable development, the need to develop high value added industry, measures against climate change and the need to cultivate the next generation of leaders, and they affirmed their intent to work together to solve problems.

JICA will continue its cooperation for Vietnam based on three pillars: enhancing growth and international competitiveness, responding to such vulnerabilities as environmental problems and climate change, and strengthening governance.

The Cabinet Approves the FY 2017 Annual Report on Energy (Japan's Energy White Paper 2018)

METI, Friday, June 8, 2018

The Annual Report on Energy (also known as the “Energy White Paper”) overviews the measures on energy that the Government of Japan conducted in the previous fiscal year, which is submitted to the Diet pursuant to Article 11 of the Basic Act on Energy Policy (Act No. 71 of 2002).
On June 8, 2018, the Cabinet approved the Energy White Paper 2018, and the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) hereby publicizes the details.

Outline of the Energy White Paper 2018
The White Paper introduces the following issues in light of the current state of affairs and the policy trends surrounding the energy field.

(1) History of Japan concerning energy since the Meiji Restoration
History of changes in Japan’s conditions and policy options from the Meiji Restoration until the Great East Japan Earthquake

(2) Progress in Fukushima’s Reconstruction
Measures taken toward decommissioning the units 1 to 4 reactors at the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
Amendments to the roadmap toward the decommissioning (removal of fuel debris, etc.)
Measures taken in evacuation instruction zones, etc.

(3) Energy situation inside and outside Japan and challenges therein
Progress toward and challenges to the 2030 energy mix
Forecast of changes in and challenges to the energy situation toward 2050
(The current states of measures taken by major countries against global warming, the current states of Japan’s energy security, energy technologies and Japanese companies’ possibilities, etc.)

In addition, the White Paper 2018 also describes the trends in energy supply and demand and the outline of FY2017 energy measures that Japan achieved.

Appendix
Outline of the FY2017 Annual Report on Energy (Energy White Paper 2018)（PDF：25KB）PDF
Release date
June 8, 2018

Division in Charge
Research and Public Relations Office, Policy Planning and Coordination Division, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy