Egyptian FM urges restraint after Iranian attack on Israel

STORY: Egyptian FM urges restraint after Iranian attack on Israel SHOOTING TIME: Archives DATELINE: April 15, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:45 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Ministry 2. various of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry 3. various of the Egyptian Foreign Affairs Ministry STORYLINE: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry urged on Sunday Iran and Israel to exercise the utmost restraint and refrain from provocative policies that would increase regional tension and instability. Shoukry made the call in separate phone talks with foreign ministers of the two rivals, according to a statement by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. The Egyptian minister expressed his country's deep concern for the unprecedented military escalation between Iran and Israel, which endangers the stability of the region and the interests of its people. Shoukry told his Iranian and Israeli counterparts that Egypt is ready to intensify its efforts in cooperation with i

Set to win presidential election, Putin vows to achieve national goals

STORY: Set to win presidential election, Putin vows to achieve national goals SHOOTING TIME: March 17/18, 2024 DATELINE: March 18, 2024 LENGTH: 00:00:59 LOCATION: Moscow CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the reelection 2. various of Vladimir Putin STORYLINE: Russia's incumbent President and presidential candidate Vladimir Putin, who is set to win reelection, said he would do his utmost to achieve national development goals on Monday morning. Putin has won 87.32 percent of the vote after 95.04 percent of all ballots were counted, according to data from the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) as of Monday morning. Under Russia's presidential election regulations, a candidate who receives more than 50 percent of the votes will secure victory. Putin said at the campaign headquarters in Moscow that he would do his best to achieve the national development goals in all directions. Russia kicked off its three-day presidential election on Friday. The final results will be confirmed no

Japan's PM vows to do utmost to tackle negative impact of price hikes

TOKYO, Japan Kyodo - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged on Nov. 28, 2023, to take all necessary measures to tackle the negative impact of recent price hikes by achieving wage growth in collaboration with the public and private sectors. (Kyodo)

Egypt offers mediation to end Palestinian-Israeli conflict, calls for self-restraint

STORY: Egypt offers mediation to end Palestinian-Israeli conflict, calls for self-restraint DATELINE: Oct. 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:21 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1.various of Egyptian president in a speech at the military academy (courtesy of Egyptian presidency) STORYLINE: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi urged on Thursday the Palestinian and Israeli sides to exercise utmost restraint while expressing Cairo's willingness to mediate to end the ongoing deadly conflict. "Egypt is prepared to harness all its capabilities and efforts toward mediation, in coordination with all effective international and regional partners, without restrictions or conditions," said the Egyptian president when delivering a speech at a military academy. He called on the Palestinians and Israelis to "listen to the voice of reason and wisdom, spare civilians, particularly children and women, from the cycle of brutal vengeance, and return immediately to the path of negotiation." The president also u

Egyptian president, Italian FM discuss Palestinian-Israeli conflict

STORY: Egyptian president, Italian FM discuss Palestinian-Israeli conflict DATELINE: Oct. 12, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:30 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the headquarters of the Egyptian presidency 2. various of the meeting (courtesy of Egyptian presidency) 3. various of the headquarters of the Egyptian presidency STORYLINE: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi held talks on Wednesday with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Cairo, where they discussed the ongoing deadly Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. Sisi and Tajani, also vice president of Italy's Council of Ministers, underlined the gravity of the situation and the importance of defusing tensions and bringing about calm between the Palestinians and the Israelis in order to ensure the stability of the region. They also affirmed that "a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution represents the utmost necessity for the stability of the region." The Egyptian presi

Egypt warns of ongoing escalation between Palestinians, Israelis

STORY: Egypt warns of ongoing escalation between Palestinians, Israelis DATELINE: Oct. 8, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:59 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in Cairo 2. various of Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaking (file) 3. various of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry talking with his Jordanian and Palestinian counterparts (file) 4. various of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry (file) STORYLINE: Egypt warned on Saturday of the dangers of the ongoing escalation between the Palestinians and Israelis. In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for exercising the utmost restraint and avoiding exposing civilians to further risks. The ministry warned of serious repercussions as a result of the escalation of violence, which would negatively affect the future of truce efforts. Egypt called on international actors involved in supporting efforts to resume the peace process and intervene immediately to stop the ongoing escalation. It

3rd int'l health expo held in Iraq's Baghdad

STORY: 3rd int'l health expo held in Iraq's Baghdad DATELINE: Sept. 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:42 LOCATION: Baghdad CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of Iraqi Health Exhibition in Baghdad STORYLINE: The third edition of Iraq's health exhibition and conference is held in Baghdad from Sept. 14 to 16 with the participation of 150 pharmaceutical companies from home and abroad. During the opening ceremony on Thursday, Iraqi Health Minister Salih Mahdi al-Hasnawi called on international and Arab companies to participate in the Iraqi pharmaceutical industry. "The Iraqi government program gives the utmost importance to developing the health sector and the localization of the pharmaceutical industry," al-Hasnawi said. According to the organizer, the three-day expo aims to attract specialists and manufacturers in the health field from all over the world to support the health system in Iraq by establishing effective partnerships. Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Baghdad. (XHTV)

Egypt to help Libya treat survivors of deadly floods

STORY: Egypt to help Libya treat survivors of deadly floods DATELINE: Sept. 14, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:08 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: SOCIETY/OTHERS SHOTLIST: 1. various of Egyptian president inspecting the lining-up of support and relief equipment heading to Libya (courtesy of Egyptian presidency) 2. various of Egypt dispatching three military planes to Libya carrying humanitarian aid (courtesy of Egyptian Ministry of Defense) STORYLINE: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi has instructed the Egyptian Armed Forces to dispatch a Mistral helicopter carrier to serve as a field hospital treating those injured in Libya's deadly floods, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement on Wednesday. Sisi also asked Egyptian forces and disaster-relief teams heading for Libya to "exert utmost efforts to mitigate the impact" of the disaster, it added. Meanwhile, the Egyptian president has asked the country's Western Military Zone to set up camps to accommodate displaced survivors of Libya's floods, the state-run Ah

Egypt calls for preserving security, stability in Gabon

STORY: Egypt calls for preserving security, stability in Gabon DATELINE: Aug. 31, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:12 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the exterior of Egypt's Foreign Affairs Ministry in Cairo 2. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaking in a press conference STORYLINE: The Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday called on all parties in Gabon to prioritize the national interest in order to preserve the security and stability of the country, the ministry said in a statement. Egypt is following closely the developments in Gabon, the statement said, expressing hope that stability in Gabon would be restored as soon as possible to preserve the safety of the Gabonese people. In the meantime, the ministry called on the Egyptian community in Gabon to exercise the utmost caution, avoid areas of security tension, and continue communication with the Egyptian embassy to ensure their safety. On Wednesday, the Gabonese military canceled presidential election results and dissolved sta

Tripartite talks over Nile dam dispute end with no tangible results: statement

STORY: Tripartite talks over Nile dam dispute end with no tangible results: statement DATELINE: Aug. 29, 2023 LENGTH: 00:00:55 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Nile River 2. various of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam STORYLINE: The Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation on Monday said the latest round of negotiations on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute concluded in Cairo with no "tangible results." Stalled talks among Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan resumed on Sunday in the Egyptian capital Cairo over the long-running dispute regarding the GERD. After years of fruitless negotiations, "the new talks aimed to reach an agreement on the rules of filling and operation of the GERD," the statement said. However, "tripartite talks did not witness any tangible change in the Ethiopian positions," it added. "Egypt continues to exert utmost efforts to reach, as soon as possible, a legally binding agreement on the filling and operation of t

"Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition held in Costa Rica

STORY: "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition held in Costa Rica DATELINE: June 10, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:21 LOCATION: San Jose CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of the contest 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): TANG HENG, Chinese Ambassador to Costa Rica 3. various of the contest 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Spanish): GRETEL VANESSA ALVARADO MORA, "Chinese Bridge" contestant 5. various of the contest STORYLINE: A "Chinese Bridge" language proficiency competition was held in Costa Rica Thursday with the participation of elementary and middle school students. The Chinese Ambassador to Costa Rica Tang Heng said at the event that cooperation between China and Costa Rica has generated fruitful results in various fields. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): TANG HENG, Chinese Ambassador to Costa Rica "China and Costa Rica alike have their respective splendid and diverse cultures. Both countries advocate for peace, development, openness and inclusion, and they recognize the utmost importance of high-quality education for all." In t

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Calves in the stable. Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Calves in the stable. Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Calves in the stable. Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Calves in the stable. Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Calves in the stable. Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Court Of Auditors Demands That France Reduce Its Cow Farms

Cows, free-range herd from Elevage Mourgues in Puycornet (82) At the Borde Blanche farm, the Mourgues family has a real passion for the Bonde d Aquitaine. As a "Breeder-Butcher", Claude Mourgues does his utmost to promote the formidable qualities of this local meat breed. In the meadows, his herds grow on grass before being reinforced with hay and corn. France, Puycornet, May 25, 2023. A report by the Court of Auditors demands that France reduce its cow farms, in order to reduce the greenhouse gases emitted by the animals. Photo by Patricia Huchot-Boissier/ABACAPRESS.COM

Lithuania's Sorokin breaks own world record for 100km ultramarathon

STORY: Lithuania's Sorokin breaks own world record for 100km ultramarathon DATELINE: May 15, 2023 LENGTH: 00:02:27 LOCATION: Vilnius CATEGORY: SPORTS SHOTLIST: 1. various of runners during the event 2. various of the audience watching and cheering 3. various of Aleksandr Sorokin 4. SOUNDBITE (Lithuanian): ALEKSANDR SOROKIN, Lithuanian runner STORYLINE: Lithuanian runner Aleksandr Sorokin broke his own world record in the 100km Ultramarathon Championship held in Vilnius on Sunday. Sorokin finished first in six hours, five minutes and 35 seconds, six seconds faster than the previous record made by himself. Sorokin said that he had a stomach ache during his run, but did his utmost during the last hour to break the record. SOUNDBITE (Lithuanian): ALEKSANDR SOROKIN, Lithuanian runner "The support from all of you helped a lot. I wouldn't say it was the hardest competition. I had some problems with my stomach in the middle of the run, but I felt better afterward. I was running, and in the middle of the run, I

Xi stresses contributing to building great country, national rejuvenation

STORY: Xi stresses contributing to building great country, national rejuvenation DATELINE: March 13, 2023 LENGTH: 00:01:50 LOCATION: Beijing CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. various of the Great Hall of the People 2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): XI JINPING, Chinese President 3. various of the meeting 4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): XI JINPING, Chinese President 5. various of China STORYLINE: Xi Jinping stresses contributing to building great country, national rejuvenation March 13, 2023 Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the closing meeting of the first session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): XI JINPING, Chinese President "The people's trust is the biggest motivation that drives me to march on and a great responsibility I shoulder. I will faithfully fulfill my responsibilities bestowed by the Constitution, with the nation's needs as my mission and the people's interests my yardstick. I will perform my duty scrupulously, do my utmost, and prove worthy of the trust o

CHINA-BEIJING-STATE COUNCIL-PRESS CONFERENCE (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-STATE COUNCIL-PRESS CONFERENCE (CN)

(230222) -- BEIJING, Feb. 22, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 22, 2023. The Chinese mainland will make utmost efforts to facilitate exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and reduce the costs of such activities, said a mainland spokesperson on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

CHINA-BEIJING-STATE COUNCIL-PRESS CONFERENCE (CN)

CHINA-BEIJING-STATE COUNCIL-PRESS CONFERENCE (CN)

(230222) -- BEIJING, Feb. 22, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, gestures at a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 22, 2023. The Chinese mainland will make utmost efforts to facilitate exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and reduce the costs of such activities, said a mainland spokesperson on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

Egypt strongly condemns deadly attack in E. Jerusalem

STORY: Egypt strongly condemns deadly attack in E. Jerusalem DATELINE: Jan. 29, 2023 LENGTH: 0:01:06 LOCATION: Cairo CATEGORY: POLITICS SHOTLIST: 1. a screenshot of Egyptian Foreign Ministry's official account on Facebook 2. various of Egyptian Foreign Ministry 3. various of Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaking 4. various of a meeting between Shoukry and Israeli Opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Yair Lapid 5. various of meeting between Shoukry and Fatah central committee secretary Jibril Rajoub STORYLINE: Egypt on Saturday expressed its "total rejection and strong condemnation" of the shooting attack in East Jerusalem that left seven people dead a day earlier. "Egypt warned of the severe risks of the ongoing escalation between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, calling for the exercise of the utmost restraint," said the Egyptian Foreign Ministry in a statement. Egypt stressed its condemnation of "all operations targeting civilians," it added. It urged the Israelis and Palesti

2 months since powerful quakes in southwestern Japan

2 months since powerful quakes in southwestern Japan

KUMAMOTO, Japan, June 14 Kyodo - Municipal officials of the southwestern Japan city of Kumamoto fall silent on June 14, 2016, in honor of victims of a series of powerful earthquakes that hit the city and surrounding areas two months ago. Mayor Kazufumi Onishi told the officials to do their utmost for those affected by the disaster.

Kansai Electric to seek reactivation of idled reactors

Kansai Electric to seek reactivation of idled reactors

OSAKA, June 25 Kyodo - Monitor image shows Kansai Electric Power Co. President Makoto Yagi addressing the company's general shareholders' meeting in Osaka on June 25, 2015. Yagi said the utility will make its utmost effort to reactive idled reactors to turn around the business.

Fukushima governor-elect talks about prefecture's rebirth

Fukushima governor-elect talks about prefecture's rebirth

FUKUSHIMA, Japan - Fukushima Gov.-elect Masao Uchibori speaks to reporters in Fukushima City on Oct. 27, 2014, the day after he won the prefecture's gubernatorial election. He said he will do his utmost for recovery from the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami-nuclear disasters and rebirth of the northeastern prefecture.

S. Korea, Japan parliamentarian groups adopt joint statement

S. Korea, Japan parliamentarian groups adopt joint statement

SEOUL, South Korea - Participants in the joint congress of the Korea-Japan and Japan-Korea Parliamentarians' League pose for photos in Seoul on Oct. 25, 2014. They adopted a joint statement that both sides will do their utmost to create circumstances for a bilateral summit.

Japan's new justice minister attends press conference

Japan's new justice minister attends press conference

TOKYO, Japan - Japan's new Justice Minister Yoko Kamikawa attends a press conference on Oct. 21, 2014, at her ministry in Tokyo following an attestation ceremony. She said she will make utmost efforts to gain public understanding over a controversial secrecy law that will take effect on Dec. 10.

Search-and-rescue operations continue in Hiroshima

Search-and-rescue operations continue in Hiroshima

HIROSHIMA, Japan - Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera (2nd from R) inspects a landslide-hit site in the western Japan city of Hiroshima on Aug. 26, 2014. Onodera told Self-Defense Forces personnel deploying at the area to make utmost effort to rescue missing residents.

Seoul's new envoy to Japan ready to work for better ties

Seoul's new envoy to Japan ready to work for better ties

SEOUL, South Korea - South Korea's new ambassador to Japan, Yoo Heung Soo, speaks to a group of Japanese reporters in Seoul on Aug. 20, 2014. Yoo, who is scheduled to depart for Tokyo on Aug. 24, voiced willingness to make utmost efforts to improve South Korea's strained ties with Japan.

Japanese economy to return to recovery path

Japanese economy to return to recovery path

SHIMONOSEKI, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to reporters on Aug. 13, 2014, in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after the government released GDP data for the April-June quarter. Abe said that the government will do its utmost to ensure the Japanese economy returns to a recovery path.

Japanese economy to return to recovery path

Japanese economy to return to recovery path

SHIMONOSEKI, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to reporters on Aug. 13, 2014, in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, southwestern Japan, after the government released GDP data for the April-June quarter. Abe said that the government will do its utmost to ensure the Japanese economy returns to a recovery path.

Olympus shareholders' meeting

Olympus shareholders' meeting

TOKYO, Japan - A man enters the venue of a shareholders' meeting of Olympus Corp. in Tokyo on June 28, 2012. Olympus President Hiroyuki Sasa pledged to shareholders to make utmost efforts to restore trust and improve its corporate value after the Japanese camera and medical equipment maker was hurt by an investment loss coverup scandal.

BOJ refrains from fresh easing steps

BOJ refrains from fresh easing steps

TOKYO, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa gives a press conference at the BOJ head office in Tokyo on June 15, 2012. The central bank refrained from taking additional monetary easing steps ahead of the Greek election that could rattle financial markets depending on its outcome, while vowing to do its utmost to ensure the stability of Japan's financial system.

Kan, ministers meet local leaders in Fukushima Pref.

Kan, ministers meet local leaders in Fukushima Pref.

KORIYAMA, Japan - (From L) Reconstruction minister Tatsuo Hirano, Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Goshi Hosono, state minister in charge of the nuclear disaster, attend a meeting in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, on July 16, 2011, with leaders of municipalities near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Kan told reporters after the meeting that the government will make utmost efforts to complete the second phase of work to contain the crisis earlier than planned.

TEPCO asks gov't to help in paying nuclear disaster damages

TEPCO asks gov't to help in paying nuclear disaster damages

TOKYO, Japan - Tokyo Electric Power Co. President Masataka Shimizu (L) hands a letter of request to industry minister Banri Kaieda (R) at the prime minister's office in Tokyo on May 10, 2011. TEPCO asked the government to help it pay the enormous costs expected in compensating victims of the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant while promising to streamline the company's operations to the utmost extent.

Kan vows utmost efforts to contain spread of livestock disease

Kan vows utmost efforts to contain spread of livestock disease

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Prime Minister Naoto Kan (standing in back) addresses a meeting with Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru (standing in front) at the prefectural government office in the city of Miyazaki on June 12, 2010. Kan said he is placing utmost importance on stopping the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the prefecture.

Kan vows utmost efforts to contain spread of livestock disease

Kan vows utmost efforts to contain spread of livestock disease

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Prime Minister Naoto Kan addresses a meeting with Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru at the prefectural government office in the city of Miyazaki on June 12, 2010. Kan said he is placing utmost importance on stopping the spread of foot-and-mouth disease in the prefecture.

Kan vows utmost efforts to contain spread of livestock disease

Kan vows utmost efforts to contain spread of livestock disease

MIYAZAKI, Japan - Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru addresses a meeting with Prime Minister Naoto Kan at the prefectural government office in the city of Miyazaki on June 12, 2010. The governor said he wants the state government to shoulder all the expenses to deal with foot-and-mouth disease in the prefecture and to extend full support for the reconstruction of livestock and other relevant industries.

BOJ to do 'utmost' to fight deflation: Shirakawa

BOJ to do 'utmost' to fight deflation: Shirakawa

NAGOYA, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa speaks at a news conference at a hotel in Nagoya on Nov. 30, 2009, after making a speech to local business leaders.

BOJ to do 'utmost' to fight deflation: Shirakawa

BOJ to do 'utmost' to fight deflation: Shirakawa

NAGOYA, Japan - Bank of Japan Governor Masaaki Shirakawa speaks at a news conference at a hotel in Nagoya on Nov. 30, 2009, after making a speech to local business leaders.

S. Korea names baseball mascot Doala as tourism envoy

S. Korea names baseball mascot Doala as tourism envoy

SEOUL, South Korea - Popular Japanese baseball club mascot Doala is given the sash of ''honorary public relations ambassador'' of the Korea Tourism Organization during a ceremony at a Seoul hotel on July 28. The mascot of the Chunichi Dragons will help boost bilateral exchanges in the private sector. Doala, a name coined from ''Dragons'' and ''koala,'' pledged to make utmost efforts in a written message during the ceremony.

Trichet calls for global efforts to restore confidence

Trichet calls for global efforts to restore confidence

TOKYO, Japan - European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet delivers a speech at a hotel in Tokyo on April 17. Trichet urged governments and central banks worldwide to make utmost efforts to stave off a global economic slump.

Obama, Aso agree to boost ties, work hand-in-hand to spur economy

Obama, Aso agree to boost ties, work hand-in-hand to spur economy

WASHINGTON, United States - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso (L) meets with U.S. President Barack Obama at the White House on Feb. 24. The Japanese and U.S. leaders agreed in their first meeting to strengthen the bilateral alliance and do their utmost to spur the world economy's recovery.

Aso in Washington to meet Obama

Aso in Washington to meet Obama

WASHINGTON, United States - Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso (R) offers a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington on Feb. 24. Aso met with U.S. President Barack Obama the same day and agreed to strengthen the bilateral alliance and do their utmost to spur the world economy's recovery.