Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministerial Meeting
SUMMARY

Japanese

Foreign Minister Okada held a meeting with Secretary of State Clinton, who was visiting Japan, for approximately seventy minutes beginning at 16:25 on May 21. The outline of the meeting is as follows:

1. Japan-U.S. Relations

(1) The Outline

Foreign Minister Okada extended his welcome to Secretary Clinton for her visit to Japan, and stated that he hoped to have substantial discussions on regional and global issues as well as bilateral relations. The Foreign Minister also stated that he intended to talk especially about the sinking of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy patrol vessel, the issues concerning China and Iran's nuclear issue. Secretary Clinton stated that the fact that this year remarks the fiftieth anniversary of Japan-U.S. alliance was important to the United States and to the Obama Administration, and that she hoped to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. relations and to bring it to the even higher level for the next fifty years.

(2) The issue of the relocation of the Futenma Air Station

Foreign Minister Okada explained Japan's position on the issue of the relocation of the Futenma Air Station, mentioning that working-level officials of the two countries also had a meeting on the same day. With intensive talks under way between Japan and the United States, both sides agreed in making further efforts towards a resolution by the end of May.

(3) The issue of child custody

Secretary Clinton pointed out the issue of child custody. Foreign Minister Okada stated that Japan was deliberating upon various viewpoints as to the possibility of concluding the Hague Convention, and that he hoped a conclusion to be reached as soon as possible.

2. The Asia Pacific Region

(1) The sinking of the ROK Navy patrol vessel

Foreign Minister Okada explained the comment by Prime Minister Hatoyama issued on May 20th upon the release of the results of the investigation by the ROK, in which Prime Minister stated that the GOJ supports the ROK, condemns the act of North Korea, and will continue close coordination and cooperation among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK. The Foreign Minister also explained that the Prime Minister had had a telephone conversation with the ROK President, Lee Myung-Bak on the previous day, and had confirmed that Japan and the ROK would coordinate closely with the U.S. In addition to expressing his intention to keep close cooperation with Secretary Clinton while a variety of scenarios are possible, depending on the reactions of North Korea, Foreign Minister Okada also stated that Japan and the U.S. should exercise increased vigilance and further strengthen their cooperation in diplomatic, defense and intelligence fields in the light of the possibility of North Korea's further provocative behaviors.

Secretary Clinton expressed her great concern on this matter and her appreciation for the comment by the Prime Minister. She also stated that the act of North Korea, which had taken the lives of 46 South Korean sailors, violated the Korean War Armistice Agreement, and that she therefore strongly condemned it. They agreed on close coordination among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK.

(1) China

Foreign Minister Okada touched on the outcomes of recently held Japan-China Foreign Ministerial meeting and Japan-China-ROK Foreign Ministers' meeting and explained the current Japan-China relations to Secretary Clinton, who was on her way to China after her visit to Japan.

In response, Secretary Clinton explained the U.S. position on the upcoming U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. Both sides agreed to stay in close communication.

(2) The Regional Architecture

Secretary Clinton showed a strong commitment of the U.S. on engagement in Asia and explained the basic position of the U.S. Foreign Minister Okada stated that he welcomed the Obama administration showing its attitude towards strengthening its engagement in East Asia, including the East Asia Summit. Both sides also agreed on cooperation in APEC, which will be chaired by the two countries in 2010- 2011.

(3) The Situation in Southeast Asia

Both sides exchanged views about the situation in Thailand and Myanmar, and agreed to continue close coordination between Japan and the U.S.

3. Global Issues

(1) Iran

As Iran had publicly stated that it would continue to enrich uranium to approximately twenty percent, both sides shared the view that the situation of concern remained unchanged even though it was necessary to closely follow the developments regarding the recent agreement between Iran, Turkey, and Brazil. Foreign Minister Okada stated that Japan will actively play its role in the discussions towards a new UN Security Council resolution.

Secretary Clinton stated that Japan's role in dealing with Iran's nuclear issue is significant and both sides confirmed that the Foreign Minister and the Secretary of State as well as both countries' UN permanent representatives would work closely together.

(2) Climate Change

Both sides confirmed, based upon the Copenhagen Accord, that the two countries will continue to closely cooperate towards COP16, which will be held in Cancun, Mexico.