1. Opening Remarks

(1) Acceptance of Medical Assistance Team from the Philippines

Minister Matsumoto: We decided to accept a medical assistance team from the Philippines. The team dispatched by the Government of the Philippines will visit Japan from Tuesday, June 28 to Wednesday, July 13 to provide medical support and psychological care for afflicted people including the Filipino residents who suffered from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The team is composed of three doctors from the Philippines. Along with Japanese doctors and clinical psychologists, they will conduct medical support activities for victims in disaster-stricken areas, such as Ofunato and Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture. We greatly appreciate the Government of the Philippines for the assistance offered. This includes the expression of sympathies and willingness to support shown by H.E. Mr. Benigno S Aquino III, President of the Republic of the Philippines and H.E. Mr. Albert F. Del Rosario, Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

2) APEC Workshop on Private Sector Emergency Preparedness in Sendai

Minister: We decided to hold the APEC Workshop on Private Sector Emergency Preparedness in Sendai from Monday, August 1 to Wednesday, August 3. This project is being organized jointly by Japan and the United States within the framework of APEC, where approximately 70 experts from 21 APEC member nations and regions will discuss the importance of the disaster preparedness of private businesses. This workshop will be the first international governmental conference that will be held in Sendai after the Great East Japan Earthquake. We hope that the workshop will be a good opportunity to show the world the reconstruction progress of the Tohoku region.

1. Q&A: To be posted shortly

Q&A: To be posted shortly