Visit to Japan of the Honorable Dick Cheney, Vice President of the United States of America
(Summary)
February 22, 2007
The Honorable Dick Cheney, Vice President of the United States of America, paid an official working visit to Japan from February 20 to 22, 2007. On February 21 (Wednesday) Vice President Cheney met with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The following is a summary of the talks that were held. On the same day Vice President Cheney also held talks with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki and Foreign Minister Taro Aso. These meetings mainly dealt with issues of the Japan-US alliance and the current situation in East Asia. During his visit Vice President Cheney was received by an imperial audience of His Majesty The Emperor, paid a visit to the US Naval Base in Yokosuka (including a meeting with Mr. Ryoichi Kabaya, Mayor of Yokosuka), and met with Mr. and Mrs. Yokota, whose daughter was abducted by North Korea.
1. Japan-US Relations
(1) Japan-US Alliance
Prime Minister Abe stated that, based on mutual trust and common shared values and interests, the Japan-U.S. alliance had become an "indispensable alliance" for both countries. He stated that the alliance had grown into a "Japan-United States alliance for Asia and the world" and that through the talks with Vice President Cheney he sought to confirm the importance of the alliance and further strengthen it.
In response, Vice President Cheney stated that he was delighted to have an opportunity to visit Japan and that he was pleased to have been received by His Majesty The Emperor and to have been able to visit the U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka. He confirmed the paramount importance of the alliance between the two countries that is based on shared interests, and the US commitment to making the alliance firm. He expressed appreciation for Japan's contributions in Iraq, Afghanistan and the fight against terrorism. In addition, Vice President Cheney stated that he was proud to be able to cooperate with Japan on issues in the region, including the Six-Party Talks on North Korea. He added that resolving the tragedy of the abduction issue was a joint task for Japan and the US. Finally, Vice President Cheney stated that Japan-US relations were in the best shape ever, and that he hoped that such relations would continue toward the future.
(2) Japan-US Security
Prime Minister Abe stated that as part of efforts to strengthen the Japan-US alliance the realignment of US Forces in Japan should be implemented steadily and ballistic missile defense cooperation be accelerated.
(3) Japan-US Economic Relations
Prime Minister Abe stated that in the context of further advancing economic ties between Japan and the US, an early conclusion of the Doha Round negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) was of utmost importance and that Japan would coordinate closely with the US on this issue.
2. East Asia, Oceania
(1) East Asia
Prime Minister Abe stated that in dealing with various issues in East Asia, it was important to respond in accordance with the Japan-US alliance, which is based on shared common values. He welcomed the visit by Vice President Cheney to Japan and Australia, allies of the US. In response, Vice President Cheney stated that he visited Japan and Australia precisely because they were such important allies of the US.
(2) North Korea (Including the Six-Party Talks)
Both sides affirmed that the recent agreement reached at the Six-Party Talks was a first step in the right direction, and that it was important for Japan and the US to continue to cooperate closely. It was also affirmed that the role of China and cooperation among the five countries were also of importance. Vice President Cheney indicated his profound understanding of Japan's position with regard to the abduction issue.
(In discussions with Vice President Cheney that touched upon measures to deal with North Korea, Foreign Minister Aso stated that the recent agreement reached at the Six-Party Talks could not have been achieved without pressure from the international community, including Resolution 1718 of the United Nations Security Council. He stressed the need to keep up such pressure on North Korea as a means of eliciting concrete actions towards denuclearization of the country. Foreign Minister Aso also expressed his profound appreciation that Vice President Cheney had met with the family of one of the abduction victims (Mr. and Mrs. Yokota) during his visit to Japan. He noted that the Vice President's actions had impressed on the Japanese people the fact that the US stands together with Japan on the abduction issue, and that it was not forgotten in the international community's engagement on issues surrounding North Korea.)
(3) China
Both sides confirmed their shared recognition welcoming China's moves to adopt a more responsible and constructive posture in the international community and enhance transparency in various military aspects including such aspects as the recent destruction of a satellite using a ballistic missile.
(4) Japan-Australia, Japan-US-Australia, and Japan-US-Australia-India Relations
Vice President Cheney noted that he would be visiting Australia after Japan. Prime Minister Abe responded that a visit to Japan by Prime Minister John Howard of Australia was planned. He stated that such a visit would not only serve to strengthen Japan-Australia ties, but that importance was being placed on it further enhancing trilateral ties among Japan, Australia, and the US. Prime Minister Abe also stated his desire to hold a four-way dialogue among Japan, the US, Australia, and India.
3. Middle East
(1) Iraq
Prime Minister Abe expressed his understanding and support for US efforts in the reconstruction and stabilization of Iraq, noting that Japan would continue to provide assistance to Iraq in the form of Air Self-Defense Force activities and Official Development Assistance (ODA). Vice President Cheney reiterated the appreciation of the US for Japan's contribution in Iraq.
(2) Afghanistan
Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan would continue to provide refueling assistance in the Indian Ocean, and that a further US$300 million would be extended in ODA. He noted that, as he had announced at a speech to the North Atlantic Council of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Japan was also coordinating efforts to intensify cooperation with NATO's Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT). Vice President Cheney reiterated that the US highly evaluated and appreciated the contribution being made by Japan in Afghanistan.
(3) Iran
Both sides recognized that Security Council Resolution 1737, which had been agreed upon and adopted by the international community, exerted considerable pressure on Iran. Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan had approved additional means, which had been approved by the Cabinet a few days previously.
(4) Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East Peace Process
Prime Minister Abe commented on the importance of strengthening cooperation with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and of further advancing the Middle East peace process.
4. United Nations and Global Environmental Issues
(1) Reform of the United Nations Security Council
Prime Minister Abe raised the issue of reform of the United Nations Security Council, to which Vice President Cheney reiterated US support for Japan's permanent membership. In addition, both sides agreed to continue bilateral discussions towards the realization of Security Council reform, including Japan's permanent membership in the Council.
(2) Global Environment
Prime Minister Abe touched on the fact that the US and China were the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, stating the importance of constructing an effective international framework in which the two countries would participate.
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