Summary of the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministerial Meeting
September 26, 2008
Japanese Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, who was visiting New York, held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the UN Headquarters for 30 minutes from 6:10 PM on September 26 (local time). Both sides agreed to remain in close contact and to call each other "Condi" and "Hiro".
1. Japan-U.S. Relations
(1) Overall Japan-U.S. Relations
Foreign Minister Nakasone explained that as the Asia Pacific region is facing changes such as North Korea issue, rise of China, Russia and India, and progress in ASEAN integration, he would firmly maintain the basic policy that the Japan-U.S. alliance was the linchpin of Japanese diplomacy and continue to strengthen the alliance. Secretary Rice responded that the Japan-U.S. alliance was extremely important, that it had been greatly solidified in 8 years under the Bush Administration, and that the agreement on "Roadmap" signifies the strengthening of the alliance. Both sides also confirmed that they would closely cooperate on various issues facing the international community, including financial problems.
(2) Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements
With regards to Japan-U.S. security arrangements, Foreign Minister Nakasone welcomed the arrival of USS GEORGE WASHINGTON in Yokosuka on the 25th. He also stated that he would steadily implement the realignment of US Forces in Japan and continue to cooperate on Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and information security.
(3) The issue of U.S. Beef Imports
On the issue of U.S. beef imports, Secretary Rice stated that it was also important to make progress on this issue. Foreign Minister Nakasone responded that the Government of Japan would deal with the issue based on scientific evidence on the basic premise of food safety, while emphasizing the importance of discussion between relevant Ministries and Agencies.
2. North Korea
(1) Denuclearization
Both sides shared concerns of the recent movements by North Korea to restart operation of nuclear facilities, and they agreed on the importance of the solidarity among the Five Parties. They also reaffirmed the importance of a verification protocol.
(2) The Abduction Issue
Foreign Minister Nakasone stated that the abduction issue would continue to be one of the most important issues for Japan and that Japan hoped for continued cooperation from the United States. Secretary Rice stated that the United States felt very strongly about the issue, assuring him that there is no change in U.S. position and that the issue was important not just for Japan but also for the United States.
3. The Fight Against Terrorism
(1) Replenishment Support Activities
Foreign Minister Nakasone stated that Japan intended to work to continue its replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean. In response, Secretary Rice extended appreciation for Japan's activities and expressed her hope that Japan would continue its activities, while acknowledging the difficult domestic political situation. Both sides agreed to actively cooperate on assistance for reconstruction of Afghanistan, bearing in mind the presidential election to be held in Afghanistan next year.
(2) Assistance for Pakistan
On the issue of aid for Pakistan, Foreign Minister Nakasone explained that Japan had announced emergency grant aid of $4 million to Pakistan at the morning of the 26th at the Friends-Group Meeting on Pakistan, which Secretary Rice highly appreciated. Both sides agreed on the importance of assisting the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region as had been agreed on at the G8 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Secretary Rice further pointed to the need for assistance to Pakistan by the international organizations including the ADB, IMF and World Bank.
4. Iraq
Foreign Minister Nakasone stated that, bearing in mind Iraq's intention, Japan had decided to begin necessary examination for completing the mission of the Air Self-Defense Forces by the end of this year. Secretary Rice reiterated her appreciation for the Air Self-Defense Forces’ activities to date in Iraq.
5. Iran
Secretary Rice expressed her serious concerns over the Iranian nuclear issues and mentioned the necessity to suspend their enrichment and reprocessing activities. In response, Foreign Minister Nakasone stated that he shared the same concerns and that concerted efforts by the international community as well as continued dialogue were necessary to persuade Iran.
6. Russia-Georgia
Both sides shared the view that Russia's unilateral action was regrettable, and that the agreement made through the mediation of French President Sarkozy needed to be steadily implemented. Both sides also agreed to frequently contact each other and consult on the matter.
7. Japan-U.S.-Australia and Japan-U.S.-ROK
Secretary Rice noted that while the Japan-U.S. alliance was being strengthened, cooperation among Japan, U.S. and Australia, as well as Japan, U.S. and ROK were also important and successful. Foreign Minister Nakasone concurred and stated that Japan attached great importance to the cooperation among Japan, U.S. and Australia, as well as Japan, U.S. and ROK.
8. UN Security Council Reform
On Security Council Reform, Secretary Rice expressed support for Japan's becoming a permanent member of the Security Council, and both sides agreed to cooperate for the realization of the reform.
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