Japan-United States of America Relations
Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
January 12, 2024
On January 12th, commencing at 1:30 p.m. (local time, 3:30 a.m. on January 13th, Japan time) for approximately 45 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who was visiting Washington D.C., 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 holding a candid discussion at the beginning of the new year, looking ahead to this year and beyond was meaningful. Minister Kamikawa expressed her appreciation for the cordial messages of sympathy from President Biden and Dr. Biden as well as Secretary Blinken following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. In response, Secretary Blinken expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
- The two ministers concurred on coordinating to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance, a global partnership, to uphold and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law and to ensure the world where human dignity is secured. The two ministers further concurred on continuing to closely cooperate with each other for the success of Prime Minister Kishida’s official visit to the U.S. scheduled for early this year.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that cooperation among Allies and like-minded countries is deepening, and the two ministers concurred on further strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Minister Kamikawa reiterated her deepest condolences for the eight crew members who lost their lives due to the crash of U.S. Airforce CV-22 Osprey in November as well as her gratitude to their contributions to the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
- The two ministers exchanged views on regional issues.
- The two ministers concurred on continuing to work closely in addressing issues related to China. Furthermore, the two ministers eiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross Strait issues.
- The two ministers concurred on continuing to closely cooperate between Japan and the U.S. as well as among Japan, the U.S. and the ROK on responses to North Korea, including its nuclear and missile development and the abductions issue.
- Minister Kamikawa expressed her respects for the untiring efforts by the U.S. to release hostages, to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and to calm down the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine and the two ministers concurred on continuing to work closely with each other. The two ministers further concurred on continuing diplomatic efforts to prevent the current situation from spreading to the Middle East region at large. The two ministers further concurred on taking necessary measures cooperating with other countries concerned ontinuously, taking into account the adoption of the United Nations Security Council resolution condemning the Houthi’s attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, co-sponsored by Japan and the U.S.
- Regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Minister Kamikawa stated that during her visit to Ukraine on the 7th, she announced the decision to contribute to NATO’s Trust Fund and that she had conveyed to President Zelenskyy and others Japan’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine. The two ministers concurred on continuing severe sanctions against Russia and robust support for Ukraine.
- The two ministers also held candid discussions on cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and the Pacific Island countries.
- Regarding Women, Peace and Security (WPS), Minister Kamikawa stated that she would like to collaborate closely with the U.S., and Secretary Blinken expressed his support.