Press Releases
First Round of Consultations on the Agreement to Supplement the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on Environmental Stewardship
1. On February 11 (Tuesday), the first round of consultations toward producing a framework further addressing environmental stewardship including an agreement to supplement the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) was held in Washington D.C.
2. The meeting was launched, from the Japanese side, by Mr. Kimitake Nakamura, Director for Japan-U.S. SOFA Division from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Chief Negotiator) and from the U.S. side, by Dr. Amy Searight, Principal Director for East Asia from the Department of Defense.
3. Based on the “Joint Announcement on a Framework Regarding Environmental Stewardship at U.S. Armed Forces Facilities and Areas in Japan” announced on December 25, 2013, both sides discussed the way forward and areas of cooperation to be tabled in the forthcoming rounds of consultations.
4. The next round of consultations is scheduled to take place in Tokyo (details are to be decided).
