Japan-United States of America Relations

On May 24, commencing at around 6:00 a.m. (5:00 p.m. on May 23, local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a Japan- U.S. Foreign Ministers' meeting with the Honorable Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State of the United States, during his visit to Washington DC, United States. The overview of the meeting is as follows.

1. Minister Kono and Secretary Pompeo, who has been playing a leading role in preparing for the U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting, closely coordinated policies, including the upcoming U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting, based on the latest situation regarding the issue of North Korea, including recent developments related to North Korea and the outcomes of the U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) Summit Meeting held on May 22. Secretary Pompeo provided an overview of his recent visit to North Korea and explained the current status regarding the preparations for the U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting. 
2. Both sides reaffirmed the recognition that Japan and the United States must maintain pressure on North Korea to urge North Korea to take  concrete actions towards the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges. 
3. Furthermore, both sides reaffirmed that Japan and the United States will continue to work together to resolve the abductions issue, based on the fact that various levels of the two countries, including the summit level, had repeatedly confirmed that the United States will raise the abductions issue at the U.S.-North Korea Summit Meeting.
4. In addition, both foreign ministers shared the view that it is important to continue to closely coordinate among Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea. 
5. Both sides also exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, in sight of Secretary Pompeo's announcement regarding the United States' Iran strategy.