[Title] Press Conference by Prime Minister Kishida on Attending the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and Other Matters

(On the significance of Prime Minister Kishida participating in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting and his goals for the meeting; how Prime Minister Kishida intends to drive discussions; and the state of progress in coordinating a Japan-China summit meeting)

From now, I will head to San Francisco in order to attend the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and other diplomatic engagements. I aim to make it an occasion for discussing various global-level issues facing the world, taking up urgent issues such as free and open trade, promoting the digital economy, and climate change. I will also use it as an opportunity to communicate Japan’s positions on these matters.

In addition, I will use this occasion to exchange views and interact with the leaders of various other countries. For example, with President Yoon of the Republic of Korea (ROK), I intend to confirm our future-oriented Japan-ROK relationship by participating with him in a forum at Stanford University on the topic of cutting-edge technology.

With regard to Japan-China relations, as of this moment, nothing has been finalized regarding a Japan-China summit meeting, but regardless of that, there is no change to the basic principle of continuing with Japan-China relations through mutual efforts to maintain a constructive and stable relationship. I intend to engage in communication through a variety of means.