Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Summary)
November 22, 2008
Prime Minister Aso, during his visit to Lima, Peru to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, held a summit meeting with President Bush for approximately half an hour from 10:45 AM (local time) on November 22 at the lodging of the U.S. delegation (Marriot Hotel).
(Also present at the meeting were Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsumoto and Ambassador of Japan to the United States Fujisaki, etc. from the Japanese side, Secretary of State Rice, White House Chief of Staff Bolten, USTR Schwab, and Assistant to the President Hadley etc. from the U.S. side).
I. Significance of this Meeting
Both leaders confirmed that the Japan-U.S. alliance had deepened over the 8 years of the Bush Administration, and that they would maintain this momentum in order to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. relations in light of the inauguration of the new administration.
This was the first summit meeting between Prime Minister Aso and President Bush, which was held in very friendly atmosphere.
II. Topics
1. Japan-U.S. Relations
(1) President Bush stated that the Japan-U.S. alliance was the foundation for peace and prosperity for the United States and the Asia-Pacific region and that his 8 years saw the establishment of solid Japan-U.S. alliance and the deepening of the alliance. Prime Minister Aso stated that the Japan-U.S. alliance was the first principle of Japanese foreign policy, and that he appreciated its deepening under the Bush Administration. Both leaders shared the view that they should further strengthen the alliance.
(2) President Bush requested continued cooperation on the realignment of U.S. Forces. Prime Minister Aso stated that the realignment of U.S. Forces was vital to strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance and that it should be steadily implemented based on the Roadmap. President Bush also referred to the importance of Japan-U.S. cooperation on ballistic missile defense (BMD).
2. The Situation in the Asia-Pacific Region
(1) North Korea
(a) On the nuclear issue, President Bush stated that issues related to verification of nuclear programs needed to be worked on. Prime Minister Aso stated that North Korea needed to comply with the verification process in the Six Party Talks, which was an important issue, and that Japan and the United States should work in close liaison in establishing a concrete framework of the verification.
(b) On the abduction issue, President Bush stated that he was fully aware how delicate the issue was, and that he would pass on the importance of the issue to the Obama Administration. Prime Minister Aso stated that he would like to receive continued understanding and support from the United States on the abduction issue.
(c) Both leaders confirmed that they would continuously cooperate closely to resolve the nuclear and the abduction issues under both Japan-U.S and Japan-U.S.-ROK frameworks.
(2) China
The leaders confirmed on continued cooperation in making China a responsible member in the international community.
3. The World Economy
President Bush stated that in reflection of the current state of the world economy, he was concerned over protectionism and that the WTO Doha Round must be pushed forward to defend free trade. Prime Minister Aso stated that he is committed to the WTO Doha Round, and that it is necessary to push it forward.
Both leaders confirmed that they would make efforts to prevent protectionism under the current economic situation and work toward the conclusion of the WTO Doha Round.
4. Iraq - Afghanistan
(1) On Iraq and Afghanistan, President Bush expressed afresh gratitude for the contributions of Japan's Self-Defense Forces in Iraq. Both leaders confirmed that Japan and the United States would cooperate for the stability and reconstruction in Iraq and Afghanistan.
(2) With regard to the Replenishment Support Special Measures Law, Prime Minister Aso stated that a bill to extend the law for a year was being debated in the Japanese Diet, and that he would make his best effort to continue the operations. President Bush stated that Japan's activities were highly appreciated by the international community and that he expressed his hope that Japan's ongoing operations would continue.
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