Comment by Mr. Yohei Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Election of Governor George W. Bush as President of the United States of America

December 14, 2000

Vice-President Al Gore has just made a speech on television, offering his concession and congratulating upon the election of Governor Bush as the next President of the United States. I understand that Governor Bush will hold a press conference soon, and then the result of this election, I presume, will become determinate. I, as a statesman like Vice-President Gore, pay my tribute to him for having made the decision, which must have been a very difficult one for the sake of the democracy of the United States, respecting the spirit of national reconciliation. The statement by Vice-President Gore, considering the future of the United States, eloquently demonstrated how a leader should be.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Governor Bush on his election as the next President of the United States. I recognize that Governor Bush has exercised his distinguished leadership as Governor of the State of Texas, and I hope that the transition of administration will be smoothly conducted. Upon listening to the speech made by Vice-President Gore, I am confident that this will take place swiftly, and I hope that Governor Bush will exercise eminent leadership in the international community facing various issues in the 21st century.
The Japan-U.S. alliance is the fundamental basis for Japan's foreign policy as well as the cornerstone of peace and stability of Asia Pacific. With the international community of the 21st century facing various issues, the United States' role continues to be important. The Government of Japan, on its part, will, through establishing close cooperative relations with the new U.S. administration led by Governor Bush upon his inauguration as the next President, contribute to the peace and prosperity of Asia Pacific and of the world.

(END)

Back to Index