(Asahi: April 30, 2015 – p. 4)

 Following is the gist of the joint news conference by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Barack Obama in Washington on April 28 (April 29, Japan time):

 Japan-U.S. alliance

 Obama: We are global partners that stand together for security and human dignity around the world.

 I want to reiterate that Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty covers all territories under Japan’s administration, including Senkaku Islands.

 Abe: It is very unfortunate that the Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines and security legislation are discussed by some people in Japan on the assumption that they will get Japan caught up in wars.

 U.S. Forces Japan realignment

 Abe: The danger posed by the Futenma Air Station should be eliminated by relocation to Henoko as soon as possible.

 Comfort women issue

 Abe: On the comfort women issue, I am deeply pained to think about the women who experienced immeasurable pain and suffering as victims of human trafficking. The Abe Cabinet upholds the Kono Statement and has no intention to revise it.

 TPP

 Obama: Prime Minister Abe and I have an equally strong resolve to achieve this.

 Abe: Creating new rules in Asia and the Pacific has strategic significance for regional stability.

 Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

 Abe: Japan is yet to make a decision on participation in the AIIB, but first, fair governance will be necessary.

 Obama: It is not true that we are opposed to the AIIB itself or to other countries’ participation.