In her first press conference, new Japanese Foreign Minister vows to enhance Japan's presence

Japan's new Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa pledged Wednesday to do her best to "enhance Japan's presence," with the nation facing challenges including building stable ties with China and tackling military threats posed by neighboring nations.Minister Yoko was appointed Wednesday as part of a cabinet reshuffle, becoming the first female foreign minister in around 20 years in Japan, reported Kyodo. In her first press conference after being appointed Foreign Minister, Yoko said that she will make efforts to contribute "not only to Japan's interest but also to the peace of the world"She was appointed as foreign minister at a time when Tokyo and Beijing have been at odds over issues such as Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean that started on Aug. 24. Yoko is one of the five female ministers in the reshuffled Cabinet. The 70-year-old House of Representatives member previously served three terms as justice minister.The new Japanese Foreign Minister is likely to visit New York next week to attend the ongoing annual session of the UN General Assembly and other meetings on its sidelines. (QNA)