Japan-United States of America Relations

(1) At the small meeting, the entire time was spent discussing the incident that occurred in Okinawa. Prime Minister Abe stated to President Obama that: (a) he felt strong indignation over the incident, which was a self-centered and absolutely despicable crime, and lodged a strong protest as Prime Minister of Japan; (b) the incident caused a huge shock not only to Okinawa but to the entire nation, and he hoped President Obama would take these feelings of Japanese citizens seriously; (c) he has a responsibility to protect the lives and property of Japanese citizens; and (d) he seeks strict actions, including the full implementation of effective measures to prevent recurrences.

(2) In response, President Obama stated that: (a) he expresses his sincerest condolences and deepest regrets and profoundly understands his responsibility concerning the crime committed by a person related to the U.S. forces; and (b) the United States will cooperate fully with Japan’s investigation, and will spare no effort to cooperate in every way to achieve justice.

(3) The two leaders shared the view that Japan and the United States would hold thorough consultations in order to pursue effective measures to prevent recurrence, and Japan and the United States would work together to regain the lost confidence and would make every effort to mitigate the impact on Okinawa.

At the beginning of the expanded meeting, Prime Minister Abe expressed his happiness at being able to meet President Obama in the scenic location of Ise-Shima, and his sincere gratitude for the heartfelt sympathy from the United States and prompt and powerful assistance in response to the Kumamoto Earthquake.

Prime Minister Abe also sincerely welcomed President Obama’s historic decision to visit Hiroshima, and the two leaders shared their intention to deliver a powerful message on a world free of nuclear weapons.

Furthermore, the two leaders shared the view that Japan and the United States will coordinate closely on the G7 Summit and display the G7’s unwavering resolve and response to international and regional challenges.

In light of the increasingly uncertain global economic situation at present, the two leaders shared the view that Japan and the United States will cooperate to realize strong, sustainable, and balanced growth.

Prime Minister Abe explained that he hoped to deliver a powerful message at the Summit on promoting Mega Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement, and the two leaders shared the view that they will continue with efforts to have the TPP Agreement promptly approved.