Japan-United States of America Relations
Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
July 1, 2025
On July 1st, commencing at noon, local time, (1 a.m. on July 2nd, Japan Standard Time) for approximately 45 minutes, Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Washington D.C., the United States, to attend the Japan-Australia-India-U.S.(QUAD) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with the Honorable Marco Rubio, Secretary of State of the United States of America. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that it is important that Japan and the United States closely communicate with each other in the face of rapidly changing international circumstances. The two Ministers affirmed to elevate the Japan-U.S. Alliance to even greater heights.
- The two Ministers discussed challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region and the roles both countries should play in the region. They concurred on the importance of steadily implementing concrete cooperation to realize a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
- Foreign Minister Iwaya highly appreciated the U.S. initiative in hosting the Japan-Australia-India-U.S.(Quad) Foreign Ministers' meeting this time. Both Ministers affirmed that they would further advance cooperation with like-minded partners in the region, including the Quad, Japan-U.S.-ROK, Japan-U.S.-Philippines.
- The two Ministers held discussions on further strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and they affirmed that they would continue coordination toward convening a Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (SCC) (Japan-U.S. “2+2”) meeting.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on the U.S. tariff measures. They reaffirmed that they will support the consultations between the ministers in charge toward achieving a mutually beneficial agreement for both Japan and the United States.
- The two Ministers exchanged views on regional affairs.
- The two Ministers shared the view on issues related to China.The two leaders reiterated the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
- The two Ministers exchanged their views on the situation regarding North Korea including the nuclear and missile issues and reaffirmed their resolute commitment toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Foreign Minister Iwaya asked for continued cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and gained support from Secretary Rubio.