Japan-United States of America Relations
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Receives a Courtesy Call from the Secretary of State of the United States
On March 16, commencing at around 4:25 p.m. for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from the Honorable Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State of the United States. The overview is as follows.
1. At the beginning, Prime Minister Abe welcomed that Secretary Tillerson’s visit to Asian countries shortly after his appointment, and highly appreciated that Secretary Tillerson’s choice to visit Japan first as an indication of the importance that the United States attaches to the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Prime Minister Abe also stated that Secretary Tillerson’s visit to Japan is very timely in light of North Korea’s repeated provocative actions.
2. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe referred to his recent visit to the United States, and stated that based on the fruitful exchange of views that he held with the Honorable Donald Trump, President of the United States, he hopes to hold thoughtful discussions on how to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Prime Minister Abe also stated that he is aware that Secretary Tillerson has rich international experience as the chief executive officer (CEO) of a major company, and that he is confident Secretary Tillerson will play a highly active role through utilizing the global perspective and deep insight he cultivated in business.
3. In response, Secretary Tillerson stated that particularly in light of the severe regional security environment, close coordination between Prime Minister Abe and President Trump is extremely important for regional peace and stability. Secretary Tillerson stated that he also hopes to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance based on the outcomes of the recent summit meeting.
4. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe and Secretary Tillerson exchanged views on the various challenges that Japan and the United States face in the Asia-Pacific region, and shared the view that they will continually strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance for regional peace and stability.
(1) About the problems regarding North Korea, Prime Minister Abe and Secretary Tillerson shared recognition that maintaining the U.S. deterrence is necessary and it is important for Japan and the United States to solidly coordinate and share strategic objectives in terms of their policies towards North Korea. In addition, while discussing measures to make North Korea exercise self-restraint and comply with the relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions and other obligations, Prime Minister Abe and Secretary Tillerson confirmed the importance of coordination between Japan and the United States and that among Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK), as well as the importance of China’s role.
(2) Prime Minister Abe and Secretary Tillerson shared concerns about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. The two sides shared recognition that the U.S. strong commitment is important in regional peace and stability and confirmed that they will deepen coordination with India, Australia and Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries such as the Philippines and Viet Nam.
5. Furthermore, with regard to Russia, Prime Minister Abe explained that he is enthusiastically engaging in resolution of the Northern Territories issue, and is deepening discussions with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of Russian Federation to conclude a peace treaty. Secretary Tillerson expressed his understanding.