Press Releases
Japan-U.S. Vice-Ministers’ Meeting
October 25, 2022
On October 25, commencing at 11:25 a.m., for approximately 55 minutes, Mr. MORI Takeo, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with the Honorable Wendy R. Sherman, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, during her visit to Japan to attend the Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice-Ministers’ Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, the two sides noted the significance of a series of high-level consultations that Japan and the U.S. have held, and concurred to continue close coordination toward further strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance and realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
- Vice-Minister Mori expressed his high appreciation for the U.S. National Security Strategy, which was recently released, and Deputy Secretary Sherman reiterated the unwavering U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan.
- The two sides exchanged their views on regional issues.
- (1) The two sides concurred to continue close coordination between Japan and the U.S. as well as among Japan, the U.S. and the ROK, including the Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice-Ministers’ Meeting on 26th, toward the complete denuclearization of North Korea, in accordance with the UNSCRs.
- (2) The two sides concurred to continue close coordination in addressing various issues related to China.
- (3) The two sides discussed Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and confirmed their commitment to impose strong sanctions against Russia and to support Ukraine, in solidarity with the G7 and other like-minded countries. In addition, the two sides confirmed that Russia’s threat by nuclear weapons is a serious menace to the peace and security of the international community and is absolutely unacceptable, let alone the use of such weapons.
- (4) The two sides also discussed situations in Southeast Asia, including Myanmar.
- The two sides shared the recognition that engagement of the U.S. in the economic order in the region is becoming increasingly important, and Vice-Minister Mori, from a strategic perspective, urged the U.S. to return to the TPP at an early timing, while confirming close coordination on IPEF. In addition, the two sides concurred to continue close coordination to secure economic security.