Japan-United States of America Relations
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Receives a Courtesy Call from U.S. Vice President Joe Biden
September 30, 2015
On September 29, commencing at 4:30 p.m. for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, during his visit to New York, received a courtesy call from Mr. Joe Biden, Vice President of the United States of America. The overview is as follows:
1. Japan-U.S. relations
At the beginning, following greetings by both sides, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan's peace will be more secure since the Legislation for Peace and Security has been enacted, and expressed his intent to have Japan and the United States cooperate even more closely towards peace and security in the region and the international community. In response, Vice President Biden expressed gratitude for the continuing efforts by Prime Minister Abe aimed at strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance.
2. The situation in East Asia
Both sides exchanged views regarding matters such as the recent state of affairs in the U.S.-China relationship and the Japan-China relationship including President Xi Jinping's visit to the United States, and agreed that the two countries will cooperate on various issues including maritime issues.
Regarding North Korea, Prime Minister Abe explained that North Korea should be urged to refrain from provocative acts and to comply with UN Security Council resolutions and the Six-Party Talks Joint Statement. Both sides reconfirmed the importance of cooperation between Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea in dealing with North Korea. Prime Minister Abe also stated that he expects continued understanding and cooperation from the United States regarding the abductions issue.
Regarding North Korea, Prime Minister Abe explained that North Korea should be urged to refrain from provocative acts and to comply with UN Security Council resolutions and the Six-Party Talks Joint Statement. Both sides reconfirmed the importance of cooperation between Japan, the United States, and the Republic of Korea in dealing with North Korea. Prime Minister Abe also stated that he expects continued understanding and cooperation from the United States regarding the abductions issue.
3. Russia
Prime Minister Abe referred to the Japan-Russia summit meeting held on the previous day, and explained that he urged Russia to play a constructive role for the improvement of the situation in Ukraine, and also urged Russia to play a constructive role regarding the situation in Syria. Vice President Biden welcomed such actions by Japan.
4. TPP
Prime Minister Abe stated that it is important to send a positive message to the world through a prompt agreement of the TPP, and Vice President Biden also stated that we should aim for an agreement on this occasion. Both sides agreed that the two countries would cooperate to the maximum extent.