Japan-United States of America Relations
Prime Minister Kishida received a courtesy call by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
May 29, 2024
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On May 29, 2024, commencing at 10:25 am, for approximately 15 minutes, Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio, received a courtesy call from Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, during his visit to Japan. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the visit of Admiral Paparo to Japan, and congratulated him on his appointment to the Commander of the INDOPACOM, stating that the appointment of Admiral Paparo to the Commander is encouraging because he has served as Commander of the Indo-Pacific Fleet with deep understanding on this region. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude for the contribution of U.S. INDOPACOM and the U.S. Forces Japan, which play a significant role in maintaining peace and stability in this region. He also stated that Japan and the U.S. are global partners which uphold and bolster the free and open international order based on the rule of law, and while North Korea conducted a launch using ballistic missile technology on the 27th of May, Japan, together with the U.S., will fulfill its responsibility for peace and stability in the region and the international community. He also stated that the Japanese Government intends to work in close coordination with Commander Paparo to strengthen alliance deterrence, while mitigating the impact on local communities.
- In response, Admiral Paparo stated that the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance has never been higher amidst an increasingly severe security environment, and he also stated that he would like to cooperate with Japan to achieve a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific."