Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministerial Meeting (Summary)

On December 20, Foreign Minister Gemba held a meeting with Secretary of State Clinton for approximately 110 minutes from 11:45 A.M. (EST) during his visit to Washington D.C. The outline of the meeting is as follows: (Assistant Secretary of State Campbell, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Schiffer, State Department Spokesperson Nuland, etc. joined from the U.S. side; Japanese Ambassador of the U.S. Fujisaki, Deputy Vice-Minister for Foreign Policy and Director-General of the Foreign Policy Bureau Tsuruoka, Director-General of the Economic Affairs Bureau Yagi, Director-General of the North American Affairs Bureau Ihara, Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations Yokoi, etc. joined from the Japanese side).

1 Asia-Pacific Regional Situation

(1) North Korea

Following the reports on the death of Kim Jong-il, Chairman of the National Defense Commission of North Korea, Minister Gemba had an in-depth discussion with Secretary Clinton on the situation in the Korean Peninsula. Both ministers shared the recognition that it was important to make sure that the latest event of Mr. Kim Jong-il’s death would not negatively affect the peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. For this purpose, they ensured the close coordination through situation monitoring and information sharing between Japan and the U.S. and among Japan, the U.S. and the Republic of Korea. Both ministers shared the view that it was necessary to work together closely with the partners of the Six-Party talks. They also affirmed that all parties concerned were hoping stability and calmness during this period, and that they should maintain their close coordination among Japan, the U.S. and the ROK on the efforts toward North Korea’s denuclearization, in particular to ensure North Korea’s concrete actions.
Regarding the abduction issue, Minister Gemba expressed his gratitude to the U.S. for raising the issue every time during the U.S.-North Korea dialogue. Taking into account this new situation, he asked for further understanding and cooperation from the U.S. for resolving the issue.

(2) Policy on the Asia-Pacific Region

Minister Gemba welcomed the Asia-focused policy of the U.S. and referred to how a regional order in the Asia-Pacific ought to be created, which had been indicated in a speech he had made in Tokyo on December 14. Furthermore, Minister Gemba stated that it is important to deal with various common issues by involving China and proposed to launch a trilateral dialogue among Japan, the U.S. and China. In response, Secretary Clinton shared his view.

(3) Myanmar

Secretary Clinton explained the outcome of her recent visit to Myanmar as well as U.S. policies toward Myanmar. Minister Gemba conveyed that he was encouraged by the progress in democratization and national reconciliation in Myanmar, noting that Japan and the U.S. could divide up roles with respect to policies toward Myanmar under common objectives. Both ministers agreed to deepen coordination between Japan and the U.S. Moreover Minister Gemba added that he would like to promote this positive development to be further during his visit to Myanmar next week.

(4) India

Both ministers affirmed that Japan and the U.S. are deepening strategic relationship with India. Minister Gemba mentioned that as a specific example of collaboration, the Japan-U.S.-India trilateral dialogue was scheduled to take place at the working level in Washington, DC today.

2 Global Issues

(1) Iran

Minister Gemba stated that Japan lately expanded its measures related to the execution of Security Council Resolution 1929 and would continue to maintain pressure on Iran. At the same time, he added that it is important to encourage Iran. Regarding the National Defense Authorization Act targeting the Central Bank of Iran for sanctions, Minister Gemba conveyed a concern that there is a danger of causing damage to the entire global economy if the imports of Iranian crude oil stop. Secretary Clinton responded that the U.S. was aware of the Japan’s concern and showed the intention to closely discuss the matter with Japan.

(2) Afghanistan

Secretary Clinton made a remark praising Japan’s efforts for Afghanistan, particularly for holding of an international conference in Tokyo next year.

(3) Iraq

Secretary Clinton appreciated Japan’s contribution to strengthening economic ties of Iraq.

3 Japan-U.S. Relations

(1) Japan-U.S. Security

Minister Gemba and Secretary Clinton reaffirmed that the two countries will continue to implement the realignment of the U.S. Forces in Japan, including the replacement of Futenma Air Station and the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps from Okinawa to Guam in accordance with the agreement between the two countries. In addition, it was confirmed that with regard to the U.S. budget for the relocation of the Marine Corps to Guam, the commitment of the U.S. Government to the implementation of the 2006 Japan-U.S. Roadmap is unchanged. Minister Gemba emphasized the importance of further reducing the impact on Okinawa and requested the U.S.’s cooperation.

(2) Economy

Minister Gemba briefed Secretary Clinton on the situation of preparation in Japan regarding Japan’s decision to enter into consultations toward participating in the TPP negotiations with the countries concerned.

(3) Cultural and People-to People Exchanges

Both ministers reached an agreement to take the next year’s Japan-U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial as an opportunity to deepen exchanges between Japan and the U.S. Minister Gemba introduced that as part of its reconstruction initiatives following the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Government of Japan is launching the Kizuna Project for Open Reconstruction. In implementing the project, both sides agreed to collaborate with TOMODACHI, the Japan-U.S. joint initiative, as well.

(4) Child Custody

While appreciating Japan’s efforts toward the conclusion of the Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (the Hague Convention), Secretary Clinton made a request for addressing individual existing cases. As a response, while explaining that the Government of Japan is aiming to introduce a relevant domestic bill to the next year’s ordinary session of the Diet, Minister Gemba expressed that he would like to make efforts in order to make some progress in the requested existing cases.