This seems to be the quotation you keep leaning on (even though they're not the words of Matsuno himself).
Quote Originally Posted by Greg Kasavin and Brad Shoemaker
He was understandably mum about the plot, though he did confirm that there are no direct connections to any previous game set in Ivalice--it's the same world, but don't expect any familiar faces.
Everything considered, it's not at all a conclusive statement. By "the same world," he easily could have been referring to the consistent atmosphere and fantasy setting that pervades Ivalice in its numerous incarnations. It can be taken either way.