Joint Announcement Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee

New York September 27, 1995

1. The Government of Japan and the United States of America held the 20th Security Consultative Committee meeting in New York on September 27, 1995. Representing Japan were the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono and Minister of State and Director-General of the Defense Agency Seishiro Eto. Representing the United States were Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Secretary of Defense William Perry. This was the first Security Consultative Committee meeting which involved full Cabinet level representation on both sides.
   
   
2. The two sides agreed that the President's visit to Japan in November offers an historic opportunity to reaffirm the central importance of the U.S.-Japan security alliance for both nations. Both Governments agreed that as we look ahead in the post Cold War security environment, our alliance is the critical factor for maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognizing their deep common interests, both governments have examined the basis of the alliance through the year-long US-Japan Security Dialogue, and reaffirmed their mutual commitment. The two sides agreed that the visit in November should set forth the role of the security alliance into this new era.
   
   
3. The two sides welcomed the signing of the Special Measures Agreement. They recognized that Japan's sustained commitment of Host Nation Support is an important element to sustaining forward-deployed U.S. Forces in Japan. This new agreement will make it possible to continue for the next five years the cost-sharing programs under the present Special Measures Agreement, with some improvement.
   
   
4. The Japanese side explained to the U.S. side the status of ongoing GOJ discussions on the future Japanese defense posture.
   
   
5. The two sides acknowledged that the central factor for smooth implementation of the Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements is to maintain the harmonious use of the facilities and areas in Japan by the U.S., with the support of the general public. In this context, they renewed their determination to make utmost efforts to minimize the impact of the presence of the facilities and areas on the local communities.
   
   The two sides discussed the situation surrounding the facilities and areas in Okinawa and pledged to work intensively together to solve the three priority issues as soon as possible.
   
   Both sides deeply deplored the recent serious incident in Okinawa, and re-committed themselves to work cooperatively and intensively in the Joint Committee Study concerning the implementation of criminal jurisdiction procedures under the Status of Forces Agreement. Pointing to recent statements by President Clinton and Ambassador Mondale, U.S. representatives reiterated their profound regret for this incident and pledged to continue to cooperate fully with Japanese authorities on this incident, and to do their utmost to prevent a recurrence.
   
   
6. The two sides reviewed the advances made in various other fields of bilateral security cooperation.
   
   (1)They were satisfied that working-level discussions on a possible framework for mutual logistical support (acquisition and cross servicing) had been useful and agreed to accelerate such discussions.
   
   (2)They also noted with satisfaction that cooperation in acquisition and defense technology exchange is progressing. They recognized that the study on Ballistic Missile Defense has been conducted smoothly.
   
   
7. The two sides exchanged views and assessments on the situation in the Asia-Pacific region. They confirmed that the two countries should continue to closely coordinate their respective policies towards the region to promote constructive relationships among the countries in the region. The two sides noted with satisfaction that further progress had been made in the area of security dialogue such as ASEAN Regional Forum and bilateral defense exchanges. They also recognized the importance of close consultations as well as concerted efforts on regional and global security issues, such as United Nations peacekeeping operations.
   
   
8. Both sides shared the view that the Security Consultative Committee provides an invaluable occasion for discussing all important matters in the area of the security relationship between Japan and the U.S. and agreed to continue their close consultations in this and other forums.