Telephone Conversation between Prime Minister Taro Aso and U.S. Senator Barack Obama

November 7, 2008
Japanese

From 7 a.m. on Friday, November 7 (JST), Prime Minister Taro Aso held a brief telephone conversation with U.S. President-elect Barack Obama.

Prime Minister Aso congratulated Senator Obama on his victory in the U.S. presidential election. Senator Obama expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister's message.
Senator Obama stated that he would like to establish a personal relationship of trust with Prime Minister Aso, and the Prime Minister responded that he feels the same way.
Furthermore, Senator Obama mentioned that he feels a strong affinity towards Japan and knows about Obama City in Japan.
Prime Minister Aso stated that strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance is the principle component of Japan's foreign policy and added that the two countries should work closely together on various challenges the international community faces, such as the global financial and economic situation, climate change, as well as issues concerning Aghanistan and North Korea. Senator Obama responded that he would also like to work together with the Prime Minister on these issues and further strengthen the alliance.
Both sides agreed to make arrangements to hold a meeting at the earliest possible date.