Press Releases
Japan-U.S. Vice Ministers’ Meeting
February 15, 2023
On February 14, commencing at 11:00 a.m. (1:00 a.m. on February 15, Japan time), for approximately 1 hour, 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 his visit to Washington D.C. to attend the Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice Ministers’ Meeting. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, the two sides welcomed that during Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to the U.S. in January, Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden reconfirmed to strengthen solidarity in all fields between Japan and the U.S. and among the international community to ensure the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community. The two sides concurred to strongly follow up on its outcomes. Based on the national security strategies of both countries, the two sides concurred to follow up on the discussions at the Japan-U.S. “2+2” and the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting in January to lead to concrete actions to further deepen the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
- The two sides exchanged their views on regional issues.
- (1) The two sides concurred to continue to work closely together in addressing various issues related to China.
- (2) The two sides concurred to continue to work closely together between Japan and the U.S. as well as among Japan, the U.S. and the ROK in addressing North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues, building upon the result of the Japan-U.S.-ROK Vice Ministers’ Meeting that was held on the day before.
- (3) Regarding Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the two sides concurred on strongly continuing sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine in close coordination with the G7 and the international community.
- (4) The two sides discussed situations in Southeast Asia, and concurred to deepen cooperation with ASEAN countries.
- The two sides reconfirmed that Japan and the U.S. will continue to work together toward the success of the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
- Vice Minister Mori once again conveyed Japan’s thoughts on the U.S. credits for clean vehicles. Furthermore, the two sides shared the recognition that U.S. engagement in the regional economic order is becoming increasingly important, and concurred in working together for the progress of IPEF negotiations. Vice Minister Mori conveyed Japan’s position on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), from a strategic perspective.