Outline of the Japan-US Foreign Ministers Meeting

The following is an outline of the Japan-US Foreign Ministers Meeting on 18 February 2002 between Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi and Secretary of State Colin Powell.

1. Japan-US Security Arrangements

(1) Enhancing Japan-US Dialogue

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi explained that Japan intended to further strengthen Japan-US dialogue on security arrangements, including missile defense, and that the Japan-US Security Arrangements are the foundation for the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

Secretary of State Powell responded that the withdrawal by the United States from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty had opened new avenues for advancing the missile defense.

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that in order to ensure the stable stationing of the US Forces in Japan, Japan and the United States need to continue cooperation for the implementation of the SACO (Special Action Committee on Okinawa) Final Report. The Foreign Minister also stated that while Japan is aware of the position of the United States regarding the 15-year time-limit issue, Japan would like to continue consultation on the relocation and return of Futenma Air Station, based on the international situation.

Secretary of State Powell responded that he shared the view of Foreign Minister Kawaguchi and that although he was aware of the positions of both sides regarding the 15-year time-limit issue, he hoped to undertake close consultation regarding the relocation and return of Futenma Air Station.

(2) The Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi and Secretary of State Powell shared the view that close consultations on criminal jurisdiction procedures needed to be concluded and that full attention should be paid to environmental issues, and both sides would hold close consultation on individual issues.

2. Regional Situations

(1) China

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that China is enhancing its relations of mutual dependence with this region and that it is important to peacefully settle the Taiwan issue, to which Secretary of State Powell stated that the involvement of China in the international community should be promoted, and that it is also important to maintain the stance that those things which should be said are said, and that the United States intended to engage in practical dialogue with China.

(2) The Korean Peninsula

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi and Secretary of State Powell shared the view that close consultations on criminal jurisdiction procedures needed to be concluded and that full attention should be paid to environmental issues, and both sides would hold close consultation on individual issues.

Secretary of State Powell stated that there had not been any change to the United States policy to engage in dialogue with North Korea anywhere at any time without any conditions and that there had not been any change to the US's effort to the Agreed Framework and KEDO. The Secretary of State further stressed the importance of the moratorium on missile testing by North Korea and that the United States would continue to provide humanitarian aid and food assistance and that the United States had no intention to create any crises.

(3) East Timor

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that Japan intended to dispatch approximately 700 members of a Self Defense Forces (SDF) Engineering Unit to East Timor in March. Secretary of State Powell commended the dispatch of SDF personnel by Japan as a positive development.

(4) India and Pakistan

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi highly valued the efforts made by Secretary of State Powell to prevent an escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan and stated that Japan also would make its utmost efforts in this regard while closely communicating with the United States.

Secretary of State Powell stated that it was important for all nations to be involved in India-Pakistan relations, and that while tensions remain high between those countries, he looked forward to seeing them carry out dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect.

(5) Iran

Foreign Minister Kawaguchi stated that in implementing policies towards Iran it is important to support the reform Iran is undertaking, and that with this in mind, Japan would maintain dialogue with Iran and continue to communicate closely with the United States.

Secretary of State Powell noted that Iran had been cooperative at the conference in Bonn and at the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan held in Tokyo. However, he also stated that Iran was involved in the proliferation and smuggling of weapons and that there are things that Iran must do for the stability of the region.