Statement by Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Approval of the Diet on Conclusion of the Agreement on relocation of United States Marine Corps from Okinawa to Guam

May 13, 2009
Japanese

On Wednesday, May 13, the Diet approved the conclusion of the Agreement on relocation of United States Marine Corps (USMC) from Okinawa to Guam.
The Government of Japan has been making utmost efforts for the conclusion of the Agreement as the projects related to the Guam relocation constitutes a linchpin of the Realignment of United States Forces in Japan. The Agreement has significant impact on reducing the burden of local communities in Okinawa while maintaining deterrence, and the Government of Japan is very pleased with the approval by the Diet. The Agreement is a strong testimony by both Governments of Japan and the United States in demonstrating their commitment to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements through steadily implementing the Realignment.
The Government of Japan will continue to realize the Realignment including the relocation of USMC from Okinawa to Guam based on “United States-Japan Roadmap for Realignment Implementation” in May 2006. This will contribute to reducing the burden of local communities including Okinawa, and the Government of Japan intends to closely coordinate with relevant communities to achieve the Realignment.

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