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Courtesy Call on Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, by Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States (Outline)

October 23, 2009
Japanese

As part of his visit to Japan, Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on Friday, October 23. The outline of the courtesy call is as follows (other attendees include Mr. John Victor Roos, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and Mr. Kazuyoshi Umemoto of the North American Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

  1. Minister Okada stated that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to be the cornerstone of Japanese diplomacy and security under Hatoyama Administration. Mr. Okada expressed his aim to further deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance so that it will remain firm for thirty to fifty years ahead. Admiral Mullen responded that Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of peace and stability of Japan as well as the region, and that he would like to further strengthen the alliance toward the future.
     
  2. Regarding the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan, Admiral Mullen pointed out the importance of implementing the realignment based on the bilateral agreement. Minister Okada replied that the Government is currently reviewing this issue, and that he would like to reach a conclusion as soon as possible. It was confirmed between the Ministers that both countries will continue to have close consultations regarding various matters related to Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements.
     
  3. As for aid to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Admiral Mullen expressed his appreciation toward Japan's assistance to both countries including replenishment support activities as well as his expectations toward Japan's further assistance. In response, Minister Okada stated that based on the outcome of his recent visits to Afghanistan and Pakistan, he is currently considering new assistance measures towards the two countries that utilizes Japan’s fields of expertise, such as job training. Japan and the U.S. agreed to continuously cooperate with each other on the situation of Iraq as well.
     
  4. Situation of North Korea was also discussed. Both sides agreed that Japan and the U.S. will continue to cooperate closely.
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