Press Releases
Foreign Minister Kamikawa received visit by U.S. Ambassador Emanuel
November 30, 2023
On November 30, at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a visit commensing from 2 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes by the Honorable Rahm Emanuel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Japan, following the CV-22 Osprey incident which occurred off the shore of Yakushima Island on Nov 29. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the beginning, Foreign Minister Kamikawa expressed her respect for USFJ’s mission to maintain peace and security of Japan and the surrounding region, and conveyed her wish for the crew members to be found safe with regard to the CV-22 Osprey incident which occurred off the shore of Yakushima Island on Nov 29. She requested confirmation of related facts and prompt information sharing with the Japanese side, as well as the flight operations of Japan-deployed V-22s to be conducted after undergoing necessary examination of the flight safety of the aircraft.
- Ambassador Emanuel responded with his gratitude for the rescue support by Japan Coast Guard, Japan Self Defense Forces, and local community members, including fishermen. The Ambassador stated that the United States has no higher priority than the safety of its servicemembers and of the Japanese people. The Ambassador also said the U.S. side is currently investigating the related facts and would continue to coordinate closely and share information with the Government of Japan.
- Both sides agreed to continue to closely work with each other on the issue.