By working in close cooperation with countries concerned, we will take all possible measures to prepare for any contingency.Tokyo (ANTARA News/Xinhua-0ANA) - Japan`s Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba on Wednesday said Japan remained committed to stability and prosperity in East Asia as the region experiences changes such as the death of the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea`s (DPRK) leader Kim Jong Il and the succession of his son Kim Jong-un to the top post.
"By working in close cooperation with countries concerned, we will take all possible measures to prepare for any contingency," Gemba said at a news conference Wednesday.
"Various movements are taking place every day, especially in East Asia," Japan`s foreign minister said regarding the situation on the Korean Peninsular and in the Asia Pacific region in general.
"In 2012, in a bid to maximize Japan`s national interests, I will make my utmost efforts to carry out substantive diplomacy, which will actively try to resolve global issues," Gemba said.
"China`s participation is indispensable in constructing a new regional order," he added in his first public address of 2012.
Gemba also told reporters that the ongoing discussions regarding Japan joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade negotiations -- an issue that has divided the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and received harsh criticism from opposition parties, agricultural and other business lobbies concerned about Japan`s national interests -- would remain a key focal point for the government going forward.
He also said that the ongoing plans to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps` Futenma Air Station within Okinawa Prefecture, a bilateral deal made with the U.S. that has drawn the ire of prefectural officials and citizens in Japan`s southernmost prefecture, will also be a pertinent issue for the government in 2012.
(H-AK)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
