Press Releases
Meeting between Foreign Minister HAYASHI and the Secretary of Commerce of the United States of America
November 15, 2021
On November 15, commencing at 2 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with the Honorable Gina Raimondo, Secretary of Commerce of the United States of America. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi welcomed Secretary Raimondo’s first visit to Japan, and stated that her choice of Japan as the first destination during her official visit to Asia signals the solid Japan-U.S. Alliance. In response, Secretary Raimondo congratulated Minister Hayashi on his appointment, and stated that Japan is the most important partner for the United States. Secretary Raimondo also stated that starting this visit from Japan is a proof of the U.S. commitment.
- Minister Hayashi and Secretary Raimondo had constructive discussions on the issues such as international order in the Indo-Pacific and Japan-U.S. cooperation in economic security that includes supply chain resilience. Secretary Raimondo expressed U.S. clear intention that the U.S. would like to take the initiative with Japan in advancing cooperation with the Indo-Pacific in the economic field.
- Minister Hayashi requested the lifting of additional import tariffs on steel and aluminum from Japan under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Secretary Raimondo responded that U.S. will prioritize its efforts to address the request.