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An interview with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida

Focus on NPDI framework in effort to bring about a world without nuclear weapons

by Jumpei Fujimura, Staff Writer

The Chugoku Shimbun spoke with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who represents Hiroshima District No. 1, about his feelings as the 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing approaches, the foreign ministers’ meeting to be held in Hiroshima next April in conjunction with the Ise Summit, the security bills now being debated in the House of Councillors and other issues. The following are edited excerpts from that interview.

The 70th anniversary of the atomic bombing is coming up. As a foreign minister elected from Hiroshima, what will you do to bring about a world without nuclear weapons?
At the time of the review conference for the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) I felt that if nuclear and non-nuclear states didn’t work together, we couldn’t move toward a world without nuclear weapons. Realistic, practical measures are needed to create an environment in which the two groups will cooperate. I will continue to attach importance to the framework of the Non-proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, a coalition of 12 non-nuclear-weapon states.

It is very unfortunate that agreement could not be reached on a final document at the NPT review conference, but there was a general consensus on nuclear disarmament and other issues. I will look over that content and submit a new resolution on the abolition of nuclear weapons to the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of Japan in the fall.

A foreign ministers’ meeting will be held in Hiroshima next April.
The summit is a very important meeting at which not just diplomacy and security but other issues such as the economy will also be discussed. I would like to create a relaxed atmosphere in which issues can be debated thoroughly. Holding the foreign ministers’ meeting in Hiroshima will be an important point when considering world peace. Having the foreign ministers learn about the atomic bombing firsthand and consider peace and a world without nuclear weapons will be meaningful.

People in Hiroshima have expressed serious concern about the security-related bills.
As the international security environment grows increasingly harsh, we must steadily push ahead with diplomacy and create a favorable environment for Japan. These are the basics, but we will create a solid security structure that is prepared for any eventuality. Protecting the lives and livelihoods of the Japanese people is a very important responsibility of the government. I will try to explain things carefully, humbly and in a way that is easy to understand.

Will you support Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the election for the president of the Liberal Democratic Party scheduled for September?
There is ongoing debate on important bills in the Diet. My most important job is to work to get them passed. I feel I should concentrate on that right now. I’m not looking beyond that.

(Originally published on July 28, 2015)

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