The Environment Ministers' Meeting of Japan, China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in Nagoya adopted a joint statement that included cooperation among the three countries in areas such as climate change and protection of the marine environment.
At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Ito reiterated the safety of the discharge of treated water from TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
The Japan-China-ROK Environment Ministers' Meeting, which began in Nagoya City on March 3, was held on April 4.
At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Ito emphasized the safety of the discharge of treated water from TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, saying, "Precise analysis results confirm that the concentration of tritium is sufficiently low compared to the WHO drinking water standard, and that there is no impact on people or the environment."
In response, China's Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Junqiu said, "It is related to the global marine environment and human health, and it should be dealt with in full consultation with stakeholders such as neighboring countries."
At the meeting, the two leaders affirmed that Japan is facing unprecedented global crises such as climate change and biodiversity loss, and sought cooperation in areas such as global issues and the protection of the marine environment within a framework that includes countries involved in each issue.
In addition, at major environmental conferences around the world, such as COP28, which begins at the end of this month, we adopted a joint statement to promote close cooperation among the three countries.
After the meeting, Minister Ito said, "It was a great achievement that I was able to have a direct and frank exchange of views with the ministers of China and the Republic of Korea, and I carefully explained that we will provide highly transparent information to the international community regarding the release of treated water."