Courtesy Call on Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, by Admiral Robert Willard, Commander, the U.S. Pacific Command
August 24, 2010
Japanese
 |
 |
On Tuesday August 24, Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a courtesy call from Admiral Robert Willard, Commander, the U.S. Pacific Command. The outline of the courtesy call is as follows (other attendees included Mr. John Roos, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, and Mr. Kazuyoshi Umemoto, Director-General, the North American Affairs Bureau, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
- At the meeting, Minister Okada said Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s administration has made it clear that the Japan-U.S. relationship will remain the linchpin of Japanese diplomacy and that Japan will continue to deepen and develop the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Minister Okada added that Japan would like to promote Japan-U.S. security cooperation. In reply, Admiral Willard stated that the recent dispatch of Japan Self-Defense Forces helicopters to Pakistan was a timely measure and that he was deeply impressed by the action. Admiral Willard also said the Japan-U.S. Alliance is important to the Asia-Pacific region, adding that the United States would further strengthen the Alliance.
- Regarding the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan, Minister Okada stated that Japan would implement the relocation of Futenma Air Station based on the Joint Statement on May 28 and that the GOJ is endeavoring to gain understanding of people in Okinawa regarding the issue. Minister Okada and Admiral Willard confirmed that the two countries will maintain close bilateral partnership and cooperation in addressing various issues concerning the Japan-U.S. security arrangement, including the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan.
- Regional situations including North Korea were also discussed. Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation.
(END)
Related Information (Japan-U.S. Relations)
Back to Index
