Press Releases
State Minister for Foreign Affairs HORII’s meeting with Under Secretary of State of the United States and the members of the United States Congress
February 5, 2026
From February 4 to February 5 (Local time February 3 to 4), Mr. HORII Iwao, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, traveling to Washington, D.C., the United States, to attend the Critical Minerals Ministerial hosted by the Secretary of State of the United States, exchanged views with Under Secretary of State of the United States and the members of the United States Congress.
- State Minister HORII held talks with Ms. Allison Hooker, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States of America and exchanged views on a wide range of international affairs, as well as on enhancing Japan-U.S. cooperation regarding critical materials etc.
- State Minister HORII met with Senator Pete Ricketts, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, Senator Chris Coons, Ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, Representative Young Kim, Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, Representative Ami Bera, Ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, Representative Diana DeGette, and exchanged views with each of the legislators on further strengthening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and confirmed the importance of multilayered Japan-U.S. exchanges, including exchanges among legislators. Also, State Minister HORII stated that he welcomed the fact that the resolutions reaffirming unwavering support for the Japan-U.S. Alliance were submitted in both the Senate and House.
State Minister HORII also conveyed his appreciation in person to Senator Bill Hagerty and Representative Andy Barr, both of whom are co-sponsors of the resolutions, and Representative Don Bacon.