Japan-United States of America Relations
Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
September 18, 2023
On September 18th, commencing at 7:50 p.m. (8:50 a.m., September 19th, Japan time), for approximately 25 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting New York, U.S. for the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with the Honorable Antony Blinken, Secretary of State of the United States of America. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that she was delighted to see Secretary Blinken soon after the telephone meeting held last week following her appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. In response, Secretary Blinken stated that he would like to closely cooperate with Minister Kamikawa to protect the very foundations of the international order.
- The two ministers exchanged views on regional issues.
- The two ministers concurred on continuing to work closely together in addressing the many issues facing the international society, including Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and the abductions issue.
- The two ministers concurred on continuing to work closely together in addressing issues related to China. The two ministers also confirmed the importance of cooperating with China on shared challenges.
- Minister Kamikawa stated her appreciation on the U.S. support and understanding to Japan’s efforts on the ALPS treated water.
- The two ministers, regarding the increasingly severe regional security environment, concurred to continue the discussion for deepening our concrete security cooperation to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. The two ministers also concurred on closely consulting at various levels for strengthening extended deterrence.
- Minister Kamikawa also stated that she would like to collaborate closely on the field of Women, Peace and Security, and Secretary Blinken expressed his support.