The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue

21 September, 2009

On 21 September 2009, the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD) was held in New York, lasting 40 minutes. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada of Japan, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of the United States and Foreign Minister Stephen Smith of Australia. The abstract of the topics discussed at the meeting are as follows.

1. Opening

Secretary Clinton welcomed the participation of the Japanese and Australian foreign ministers in TSD. She stressed that the United States attaches importance to trilateral cooperation and is pleased with the joint statement that affirms three countries' commitment to the trilateral process.

2. Afghanistan and Pakistan

The three ministers agreed on the importance of the support of the international community toward the stability and reconstruction of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Secretary Clinton expressed her appreciation for the assistance Japan and Australia have extended to Afghanistan. Foreign Minister Okada stated that Japan will actively assist Afghanistan in such areas as vocational training.

3. North Korea

The three ministers shared the recognition that nuclear and missile development by North Korea poses a threat to regional security and affirmed the importance of the unity of the international community in achieving denuclearization including through the full implementation of UNSCR 1874. Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Smith expressed their continued support for Japan's position on the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea.

4. Iran

The three ministers agreed that the international community should work together to encourage Iran to take positive steps through dialogue.

5. Myanmar

The three ministers agreed that all political prisoners in Myanmar, including Aung San Suu Kyi should be released. They agreed to urge the Government of Myanmar to promote democratization process in which all parties concerned participate in the lead-up to the 2010 general election.

6. Trilateral Cooperation

The three ministers shared the view that trilateral cooperation is meaningful in responding to regional and global issues, and agreed to continue to exchange views on the international situation and to promote practical cooperation.