Press Conferences

Reporter: Thank you for your time. You have had a number of in-person meetings with Secretary of State Blinken. What were the results of the meeting today?

Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs: I just had a Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting for 40 minutes with Secretary of State Blinken of the United States, who is visiting Japan with President Biden. This was our ninth meeting since I assumed the position of Minister for Foreign Affairs, and fourth meeting to be held in-person. I welcomed Secretary Blinken to Tokyo for the first time and based on the discussion at the Japan- U.S. Summit Meeting, we held a candid exchange of views on regional affairs, strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and deepening Japan-U.S. economic cooperation.

I exchanged views with Secretary Blinken on the recent international affairs.

First, in regard to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we shared the view that Japan and the United States will continue to cooperate with the international community, including the G7, to impose sanctions on Russia and provide support for Ukraine and neighboring countries.

We also agreed that Japan and the United States will continue to closely cooperate in responding　to various issues over China.

In addition, on North Korea, we shared serious concerns about its nuclear and missile activities, and agreed that Japan and the United States would continue to closely work together on our future response, including measures to be taken by the United Nations Security Council.

Moreover, we agreed to further strengthen trilateral cooperation among Japan, the United States and Republic of Korea (ROK).

As the regional security environment grows increasingly severe, we shared the view that Japan and the United States will promptly strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities.

Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States’ unwavering commitment to the defense of Japan and we shared the view to communicate even closer, including between Secretary Blinken and myself, based on the current situation and the discussions at the Japan-U.S. summit meeting, to constantly strengthen the credibility of our extended deterrence.

Furthermore, Secretary Blinken and I exchanged views on the significance of the so-called “Economic 2+2,” from a strategic perspective, including strengthening of the competitiveness and resilience of two countries.

Additionally, Secretary Blinken and I agreed to meet again for the “Economic 2+2” in July this year, which was announced by the leaders of Japan and the United States, and to accelerate specific discussions.

Moreover, Secretary Blinken and I had an in-depth exchange of views on the economic order of the Indo-Pacific region. I welcomed the establishment of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and conveyed that it would be desirable for the United States to return to the TPP from a strategic perspective.