Japan-United States of America Relations
State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII’s Visit to the United States of America (Washington D.C.)
Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited Washington D.C., the United States of America from 2 to 4 February. The overview of the visit is as follows:
1. Attendance to the Critical Minerals Ministerial
On the 4th (local time), State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII Iwao attended the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by The Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America. This meeting, hosted by State Secretary Rubio, was held with the attendance of Vice President JD Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Energy Secretary Chris Wright as well as ministerial-level representatives from a wide range of countries, including Canada, Italy, the European Union (EU), Australia, India and the Republic of Korea.
State Minister HORII delivered opening remarks. Referring to the risk of disruptions to critical mineral supply chains, he stated that the stable supply of critical minerals is indispensable to the sustainable development of the global economy. He also underscored the importance of enhancing collaboration with like-minded countries on the demand and supply sides and expressed his strong commitment to strengthening the resilience of critical mineral supply chains.
At the meeting, the launch of the Forum On Resource Geostrategic Engagement (FORGE), the follow-on initiative to the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), was announced, and participants discussed the promotion of cooperation among like-minded countries through the FORGE. In addition, active discussions took place regarding trade cooperation and investment cooperation in the minerals sector.
2. JOINT PRESS STATEMENT AMONG THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING FEBRUARY 4 CRITICAL MINERALS MINISTERIAL
Following the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by State SecretaryMarco Rubio, “JOINT PRESS STATEMENT AMONG THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION AND THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING FEBRUARY 4 CRITICAL MINERALS MINISTERIAL” was released.
3. Meeting with Under Secretary of State of the United States and the members of the United States Congress
State Minister HORII held talks with Ms. Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States of America and exchanged views on a wide range of international affairs, as well as on enhancing Japan-U.S. cooperation regarding critical materials etc.
State Minister HORII met with Senator Pete Ricketts, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, Senator Chris Coons, Ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, Representative Young Kim, Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, Representative Ami Bera, Ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, Representative Diana DeGette, and exchanged views with each of the legislators on further strengthening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and confirmed the importance of multilayered Japan-U.S. exchanges, including exchanges among legislators. Also, State Minister HORII stated that he welcomed the fact that the resolutions reaffirming unwavering support for the Japan-U.S. Alliance were submitted in both the Senate and House. State Minister HORII also conveyed his appreciation in person to Senator Bill Hagerty and Representative Andy Barr, both of whom are co-sponsors of the resolutions, and Representative Don Bacon.
