Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (Summary)

On Monday, April 30, for approximately 2 hours from around 12:00 p.m. (EST), during his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Noda held a meeting and luncheon with President Obama. The outline of the meeting is as follows (attending on the U.S. side were Secretary of State Clinton; Secretary of Defense Panetta; Secretary of the Treasury Geithner; U.S. Trade Representative Kirk; Director of the National Economic Council Sperling; U.S. Ambassador to Japan Roos; and National Security Advisor Donilon, among others. Attending on the Japanese side were Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saito; Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Nagashima; and Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. Fujisaki, among others):

1. Japan-U.S. Relations

(1) Shared Vision

Prime Minister Noda stated that he was of the belief that the Japan-U.S. Alliance was the linchpin of Japan’s diplomacy, and he was extremely pleased that the leaders of the two countries could release the “U.S.-Japan Joint Statement: A Shared Vision for the Future” that day. Prime Minister Noda remarked that the statement clearly expressed both countries’ determination to fulfill their roles and responsibilities, and that it reflected his ideas very well. Both leaders shared the view that they would continue to share visions and work to further deepen and develop the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

(2) Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region

Prime Minister Noda stated that it was important for both countries to play active roles in forming regional order and making rules by using frameworks such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and, in this regard, to cooperate with China. Furthermore, Prime Minister Noda explained recent Japan-China relations and stated his intention to realize strategic dialogue between Japan, the United States, and China.

In response, President Obama explained U.S.-China relations. Both leaders shared the view that they expected China to play an active role in the international society.

(3) Japan-U.S. Security

Prime Minister Noda stated he highly appreciated the recent 2+2 Joint Statement as an important step toward the deepening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Both leaders shared their views that they would steadily implement it.

In particular, Prime Minister Noda stated Japan is committed to enhancing the security of areas shared by the international society, such as the high seas, space, and cyber-space. He also stated Japan intends to further develop operational cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the U.S. Forces including joint exercises. In addition, Prime Minister Noda requested the United States to consider civilian-military dual-use option of Yokota Air Base.

2. Regional Situations

(1) North Korea

Prime Minister Noda and President Obama shared the recognition that the recent launch of a missile by North Korea undermined efforts by countries concerned toward resolving issues through dialogue, and agreed on the immediate importance of preventing North Korea’s further provocative action as well as on the need for coordination between Japan and the United States to ensure a firm response by the international community in case of North Korea’s further provocation such as a nuclear test.

In addition, Prime Minister Noda expressed his gratitude for support and cooperation from the United States concerning the abduction issue. President Obama responded that he would continue to cooperate with Japan on this matter.

(2) Myanmar

Prime Minister Noda explained the results of the Japan-Myanmar Summit Meeting held on April 21. Both leaders shared the view that it was necessary for the international society to further support the reforms of Myanmar.

(3) Iran

Prime Minister Noda stated that he expected that the future consultation process within the EU3+3 would lead to substantial development moving forward. He also stated that Japan would continue to put “pressure” on Iran and would reach out to Iran at an appropriate time.

In response, President Obama expressed his gratitude to Japan for its cooperation with pressure against Iran.

(4) Afghanistan

President Obama explained the purposes of the Chicago NATO Summit Meeting. In response, Prime Minister Noda stated that he would like to establish foundations for the sustainable development of Afghanistan with an eye on the year 2015 and beyond. He also expressed his hope to produce concrete achievements at the conference on Afghanistan to be held in Tokyo in July.

3. Economy

(1) The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Japan-U.S. Economy

Prime Minister Noda stated that it would be significant for Japan and the United States to cooperate in developing high-standard rules and order of trade and investment in the region. On the TPP, he mentioned that it was one of the pathways to realize a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) and stated that the intentions he had expressed last November remained unchanged. Both leaders shared the view that they would make efforts to advance Japan-U.S. consultations. President Obama expressed interest in the issues of automobiles, insurance, and beef, as well as the already being addressed issue of beef.

(2) Energy Cooperation

Both leaders welcomed that the two countries agreed to expand energy cooperation.

Moreover, Prime Minister Noda stated that, due to the effect of the Great East Japan Earthquake, demand for LNG had been increasing sharply and the import price for LNG had also been on the rise. Prime Minister Noda requested cooperation from the United States, explaining that Japanese companies were highly interested in expanding the import of LNG from the United States to Japan. In response, President Obama stated that although the United States was still in the process of formulating policy on the issue, Japan’s energy security was also an important issue for the United States, and that therefore he hoped to continue the discussion and consideration of the issue.

(3) The Stability of Oil Markets

Both leaders confirmed the importance of close cooperation between the two countries for stabilizing oil markets.

4. Nuclear Cooperation

Both leaders welcomed the recent establishment of a high-level Bilateral Commission on Civil Nuclear Cooperation and shared the view that it would be important for the future enhancement of nuclear cooperation between Japan and the United States. President Obama mentioned Japan’s response concerning the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), to which Prime Minister Noda replied that relevant ministries and agencies in Japan were considering the issue with a sense of urgency.

5. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges

Both leaders shared views on the importance of fostering the next generation to serve as the foundation for a deepened Japan-U.S. Alliance, particularly through the promotion of youth exchanges, including Japan’s “KIZUNA Project” and the United States’ “TOMODACHI initiative.”

In addition, Prime Minister Noda expressed his gratitude for the contribution of flowering dogwood trees from the United States to Japan and for Mrs. Michelle Obama’s planting of cherry trees in commemoration of the Japan-U.S. Cherry Blossom Centennial.

6. Other Issues

(1) Child Custody

President Obama appreciated Japan’s efforts on the issue, to which Prime Minister Noda stated that he would like to continue preparations for the earliest possible conclusion of the Hague Convention.

(2) Marine Debris Washed Out by the March 11 Earthquake

Prime Minister Noda stated that he was concerned about marine debris carried away from Japan by the tsunami following the Great East Japan Earthquake approaching the United States and other countries. He stated that he would like to closely coordinate with the countries concerned, including the United States, on this matter in the future.

(3) Amendments to the Agreement Establishing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

President Obama brought up Japan’s response to this issue, to which Prime Minister Noda responded that Japan attached importance to the early commencement of support to the Middle East and North Africa through the EBRD. Prime Minister Noda also stated that the amendments to the agreement had already been submitted to the Diet and that he would like to make efforts to obtain Diet approval as early as possible.