Japan-United States of America Relations
Foreign Minister Kono meets with U.S. National Security Advisor Gen. McMaster
On August 17 (Japan time), commencing at 4:30 a.m. (3:30 p.m. on August 16, local time) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, with Mr. Itsunori Onodera, Minister of Defense, Japan, held a meeting with Gen. Herbert Raymond McMaster, National Security Advisor. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Foreign Minister Kono stated that the upcoming Security Consultative Committee (“2+2”) would be a meaningful occasion to discuss concrete actions aimed at reinforcing the Japan-U.S. Alliance for the coming years. He also sought Gen McMaster’s cooperation to move forward with actions to strengthen the alliance amid an increasingly challenging regional security environment. With regard to the issue of North Korea, he also stated that it is important to deter North Korea from its continued provocative statements and actions, and it is important that China and Russia play greater roles, including in the implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions (PDF)
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2. Defense Minister Onodera stated that, on urgent North Korean issues, there is a need to avoid contingency situations and Japan and the U.S. must work together to take thorough measures. Following the current situation, he also mentioned that Japan has developed its BMD posture and he wanted to ensure closer communication at all levels.
3. The two Ministers and Gen. McMaster shared the view that they will work together to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. They also shared the view that now is the time for the international community to work together to increase the pressure on North Korea, that the strict and full implementation of the recently adopted resolution of the Security Council is essential, and that Japan and the United States will take concrete actions to enhance the Japan-U.S. defense posture and capacity.