Japan-United States of America Relations
Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk
January 28, 2021
On January 28, commencing at 0:45 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States of America. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Suga offered his congratulations to President Biden on his inauguration and the start of his administration, to which President Biden expressed his gratitude.
- The two leaders agreed to work closely together in order to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance. President Biden also expressed his unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan, including the application of Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty to the Senkaku Islands, and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to provide extended deterrence to Japan.
- The two leaders shared the view on the importance of strengthening the U.S. presence in the Indo-Pacific region. They also affirmed that they would work side-by-side to address regional challenges and to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
- President Biden voiced his high regard for Japan’s contribution to the U.S.-Japan-Australia-India relationship, and agreed that it would be further promoted going forward.
- The two leaders agreed that Japan and the U.S. would work closely together to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the U.N. Security Council resolutions. Prime Minister Suga also asked for understanding and cooperation toward the early resolution of the abductions issue, to which President Biden offered his support.
- Prime Minister Suga welcomed the U.S. decision to rejoin to the Paris Agreement, the reversal of its notice of withdrawal from the WHO, and the announcement of join COVAX Facility. Furthermore, the two leaders affirmed that Japan and the U.S. would continue their collaboration on the shared challenges that the international community faces, such as climate change, measures to combat COVID-19, and innovation. President Biden also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Suga to attend the Leaders’ Climate Summit.
- The two leaders agreed to coordinate on an appropriate time for a visit by Prime Minister Suga to the U.S., aiming for an early date while taking into account the COVID-19 situation.