Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministerial Meeting in APEC
Summary
November, 11, 2009
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, who was visiting Singapore to attend APEC 2009 Singapore, held a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for approximately an hour beginning at 4:05 P.M. local time on November 11.
1. Opening Remarks
Foreign Minister Okada expressed sympathy for the shooting at Fort Hood Army Base. He said that he would like to make efforts toward the success of President Obama's visit to Japan, and he would like to discuss bilateral relationship, as well as the Asia-Pacific regional affairs and global issues at this meeting.
In response, Secretary Clinton stated that the preparation thus far should promise a successful outcome for President Obama's visit to Japan
2. Japan-U.S. Relationship
(1) The Outline of Japan-U.S. Alliance
Foreign Minister Okada stated that in light of the fiftieth anniversary of the revision of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty next year, it was important to further deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance further on President Obama's visit to Japan. Secretary Clinton responded that she agreed with the Minister.
(2) Realignment of U.S. Forces
Foreign Minister Okada said that he was aware of the historic background and the importance of the agreement between Japan and the U.S., and that he had stated in the Diet that a conclusion with regard to the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station was necessary as soon as possible. In addition, Foreign Minister Okada stated that he would like to expeditiously solve the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station through the bilateral working group. Explaining the history of Okinawa, Foreign Minister Okada stated that it was important to consider seriously the feelings of the people in Okinawa, and that Prime Minister Hatoyama was also emphasizing this point.
In response, Secretary Clinton stated that she understood the necessity of the review by the new administration. On the other hand, she stated that it was also important to come to a conclusion as soon as possible since it was undesirable that the uncertain situation continued.
(3) The Hit-and-Run Case in Yomitani Village, Okinawa
Foreign Minister Okada stated that although Ambassador Roos had already ensured full cooperation with Japan toward the resolution of the case, he would also like to once again ask Secretary Clinton for full cooperation in the investigation. In response, Secretary Clinton stated that she deeply regretted the loss of human life, and that the U.S. would certainly cooperate on this issue.
3. Situations in the Asia-Pacific Region
(1) North Korea
Secretary Clinton stated that she decided to send Ambassador Bosworth, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, to Pyongyang in order to pave a way for North Korea's return to the Six-Party Talks, and that the U.S. would continue to implement the sanction measures based on U.N. Security Council Resolution 1874. Secretary Clinton also stated that she would like Japan and the U.S. to closely consult with each other during and after Ambassador Bosworth's visit to North Korea. In response, Foreign Minister Okada stated that the issue should be dealt with by maintaining close coordination between Japan and the U.S., and that the Government of Japan had submitted the Cargo Inspection Bill to the Diet and would seek its early enactment.
(2) APEC
Foreign Minister Okada stated that he highly valued APEC as it was the only forum stretching between both sides of the Asia-Pacific, and that he would like Japan and the U.S. to discuss the future orientation of APEC in the days to come since Japan would serve as the chair next year and the U.S. the year after next. Secretary Clinton replied that this was a good idea.
(3) ASEAN (including Myanmar)
Foreign Minister Okada referred to the fact that the U.S.-ASEAN Summit Meeting will be held soon, and stated that actively engagement of the U.S. in Asia was greatly appreciated.
Regarding Myanmar, Foreign Minister Okada referred to the Japan-Myanmar Summit Meeting and Assistant Secretary Campbell's visit to Myanmar, and stated that he would like Japan and the U.S. to cooperate with each other, so that the general election in 2010 would be carried out in a way that it would meet the expectations of the international community.
4. Global Issues
(1) Afghanistan
Secretary Clinton stated that the U.S. appreciated Japan's decision to provide assistance up to an amount in the range of five billion dollars in about five years. She also emphasized the importance of enhancing Afghan police capability, reintegration of the former Taliban soldiers, and sustainable and self-reliant development of Afghanistan each of which was involved in this assistance, and again expressed her gratitude for this decision. In response, Foreign Minister Okada stated that the peace and stability of Afghanistan was important for Japan and the world, and expressed Japan's willingness to promote the assistance to Afghanistan in close cooperation with the U.S.
(2) Iran
Secretary Clinton explained that the U.S. was making efforts toward the realization of sending Iran's low enriched uranium to third countries under the EU 3+3 process, and stated that she would like Japan to encourage Iran to implement the agreement. In response, Foreign Minister Okada explained that he had reached out to Iran at Japan-Iran foreign ministerial meeting held in N.Y. this September, and stated that he would like to cooperate with the U.S. and others on this issue.
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