Press Releases

Courtesy Call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs Fujii by Admiral Houston, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program

January 29, 2025
State Minister Fujii and Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program Houston shaking hands
State Minister Fujii talking with Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program Houston shaking hands

On January 29, commencing at 17:00 for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. FUJII Hisayuki, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a courtesy call from Admiral William J. Houston, Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, during his visit to Japan. The overview of the courtesy call is as follows:

  1. At the outset, State Minister Fujii expressed congratulations on the inauguration of President Trump. He stated that it is crucial to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US Alliance as the security environment surrounding Japan becomes increasingly severe and that Japan highly values Admiral Houston’s leadership.
  2. Both sides shared the view on the importance of maintaining a robust presence of the US Navy, including the forward-deployment of USS George Washington. State Minister Fujii requested to maintain high-level safety for nuclear-powered vessels and expressed his hope that cordial relations between local communities, such as the city of Yokosuka, and the US Navy will be continued and strengthened.
  3. In response, Admiral Houston assured that high-level safety for nuclear-powered vessels will be maintained. He also expressed his determination that the US Navy is ready to further promote cooperative ties with local communities, including collaboration for the Japan-US Annual Joint Response Drill, which was successfully held in the city of Yokosuka at the end of last year.
  4. In addition, both sides exchanged views on future Japan-US cooperation, taking into consideration the current security environment.

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