Japan-United States of America Relations

On August 29, commencing at 9:24 a.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a telephone talk with the Honorable Donald Trump, President of the United States of America. The overview of the talk is as follows.

1. Prime Minister Abe expressed his condolences for the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey and his respect for President Trump, who is making every effort to protect the lives of the people. President Trump expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Abe’s warm words.
2. Prime Minister Abe stated that the ballistic missile launched by North Korea this morning flew over Hokkaido, Japan and fell into the Pacific Ocean, and that the missile launch across Japan poses a much more serious level of threat. Prime Minister Abe also stated that the missile was launched while a United Nations Security Council resolution has been issued and the entire international community is increasing pressure on North Korea, and the launch is an unprecedented act of provocation. Moreover, Prime Minister Abe stated that North Korea clearly has no intention to engage in dialogue and that it is necessary to further increase pressure on North Korea. In addition, Prime Minister Abe expressed Japan’s will to work together with the United States to deal with this threat and to promote Japan-U.S. cooperation including at the United Nations, and stated that Japan appreciates the U.S. position asserting that all options are on the table.　
3. In response, President Trump demonstrated the U.S. commitment to Japan again, stating that, as its ally, the United States is 100% with Japan. Both leaders concurred that now is not the time for dialogue with North Korea and that it is necessary to further increase pressure on North Korea. Furthermore, both leaders agreed that it is necessary to promote Japan-U.S. cooperation, including at the United Nations, and to further strengthen Japan-U.S.-Republic of Korea cooperation, and that the roles of China and Russia remains important.