Japan-United States of America Relations

On Friday, February 10, commencing at 10:40 (Saturday, February 11, 00:40 Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Taro Aso, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Japan, who was visiting Washington D.C., held a meeting with Mr. Michael Pence, Vice President of the United States of America, in the White House. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Mr. Fumio Kishida, Foreign Minister, among others, attended the meeting.

1. In his opening remarks, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aso extended his congratulations on Mr. Pence's appointment as Vice President, and expressed his appreciation for Vice President Pence's efforts to strengthen ties between Japan and the U.S., including inviting Japanese companies to invest in the U.S. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aso also stated that he would like to further strengthen the Japan-US Alliance and to deepen and develop economic relationship between Japan and U.S. as well as to realize robust economic growth and prosperity in Asia-Pacific Region together with Vice President Pence.
2. In response, Vice President Pence explained that Japan is the closest ally of the United States and the U.S. would like to deepen ties with Japan in areas such as economy, security and culture. Vice President Pence furthermore stated that the U.S. supports high standards and rules on trade and investment, and considers it important to work to create environment and conditions where the both economies can grow.