赤あか澤さわ経済けいざい再生さいせい相しょう G7で首脳しゅのう間接かんせつ点てんも視野しやに閣僚かくりょう間かんで緊密きんみつ協議きょうぎを

Regarding the U.S. Trump administrations tariff measures, Minister Akazawa in charge of economic revitalization attended ministerial negotiations in Washington, confirming that ministers will closely discuss the matter toward an early agreement, with an eye on a possible meeting between leaders at the G7 Summit—the meeting of the leaders of the seven major countries—to be held in the middle of next month.

Minister Akazawa, who is visiting Washington, held ministerial talks with Secretary of Commerce Raimondo for about an hour and a half, and with U.S. Trade Representative Tai of the USTR for about two hours, between the night of the 23rd and the 24th Japan time.

In this meeting, Minister Akazawa once again strongly urged a review of the series of tariff measures, and exchanged views on topics such as trade expansion, non-tariff measures, and cooperation in the area of economic security.

And, with a view to the upcoming G7 Summit—the meeting of leaders from the seven major countries—to be held in Canada in the middle of next month, they confirmed that ministers would continue close consultations to reach an early agreement, also considering possible opportunities for leaders to meet during the summit.

Minister Akazawa: An even more frank and in-depth exchange than last time Minister Akazawa told reporters, We were able to have an even more frank and in-depth exchange than last time.

He said, Since the two leaders will definitely meet at the G7 summit, as a negotiator, I think it would be highly desirable if some kind of agreement could be reached on that occasion.

On the other hand, he stated, When it comes to hurrying slowly, our country has national interests that must be protected, and its not just about reaching an agreement as quickly as possible.

Regarding the fact that Treasury Secretary Bessent did not participate in this round of negotiations, it was stated, We aim to reach an agreement as soon as possible and will closely consult with the three ministers, expressing the intention to hold the next round of negotiations, including Secretary Bessent, at the earliest opportunity.

Regarding Japans repeated requests for a review of the series of measures, he stated, Since we keep reiterating our position each time, I do expect that the U.S. sides understanding is, of course, deepening. However, at this point, it is not the stage to say whether the gap has narrowed or not.

Minister Akazawa: We will do our utmost to achieve a win-win relationship. Prior to the negotiations, Minister Akazawa, who is in charge of economic revitalization, told reporters after arriving at an airport near Washington around 10:30 p.m. on the 23rd, Our countrys basic position has not changed at all. The series of tariff measures is regrettable, and we are strongly requesting a review.

I definitely want to achieve that goal.

We will do our utmost to aim for a win-win relationship where both parties can reach an agreement, he said.

When reporters asked, How close do you think you are to reaching an agreement? he responded, Questions like that dont really have much meaning.

Negotiations are about whether everything can ultimately be agreed upon as a package, and if you try to say what stage were at, youll misjudge the outlook.

On the other hand, regarding the Japan-U.S. summit meeting to be held in conjunction with the G7 Summit—the meeting of leaders from the seven major countries—which will take place in Canada in the middle of next month, he said, It is natural for the two leaders to meet, and we are working to see how much meaningful discussion can be accumulated at that time.

I would like to make every effort to ensure we have a fruitful meeting, he said.