Japan-United States of America Relations
Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Talk
On February 2, commencing at shortly after 10 p.m. for approximately one hour, 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 telephone talk is as follows.
1. The two leaders exchanged views on North Korea and cooperation between Japan, the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) preceding the visit of the Honorable Mike Pence, Vice President of the United States to Japan, and the opening of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, which are scheduled to take place the following week.
2. At the beginning, Prime Minister Abe strongly requested securing the safety of USFJ aircraft, in light of a series of trouble caused by USFJ in Okinawa. Following that, Prime Minister Abe commended the powerful message on North Korea, which President Trump had delivered in his State of the Union address
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In response, President Trump appreciated Prime Minister Abe’s explanation with regard to ensuring the safety of USFJ aircraft, and suggested having the relevant parties consult on the issue.
3. The two leaders discussed North Korea, and shared the view that they will would not be blinded by North Korea’s “charm offensive,” and will maximize pressure on North Korea.
4. In addition, Prime Minister Abe explained that if circumstances permit, he intends to attend the opening ceremony for the PyeongChang Olympic Games, and he also explained Japan’s position on the issue of comfort women. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe and President Trump shared the view that Japan and the United States will coordinate, together with the ROK, in order to increase pressure on North Korea, taking advantage of Prime Minister Abe’s visit to the ROK to attend the opening ceremony for the PyeongChang Olympic Games asas well.
5. The two leaders also shared awareness that Japan and the United States would continue to discuss economy in the future.
6. Furthermore, the two leaders shared the view that Vice President Pence’s visit to Japan would be an opportunity to demonstrate the strong bond of the Japan-U.S. Alliance once again.
