Japan-U.S. Bilateral Summit Meeting
September 23, 2009
Japanese
Prime Minister Hatoyama, who was visiting N.Y. to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a meeting with President Obama for approximately 35 minutes from 9:10 AM EST on September 23rd (10:10 PM on 23rd JST). The outline of the meeting is as follows.
(Japan: Foreign Minister Okada, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno, Ambassador Fujisaki to the U.S. etc. The U.S.: Secretary Clinton, Ambassador Rice to the United Nations, the White House Chief of Staff Emanuel, National Security Advisor Jones etc.)
1. Japan-U.S. Relations
Prime Minister Hatoyama stated that his cabinet will also highly value Japan-U.S. alliance as the linchpin of Japanese diplomacy. Both leaders agreed to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.
Concerning regional and global issues, the leaders affirmed their commitment to build a constructive and future-oriented Japan-U.S. relationship, and to further widen the scope of cooperation.
Regarding the Japan-U.S security arrangements, Prime Minister Hatoyama stated that it is the cornerstone of the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, and that Japan would cooperate closely with the U.S. on all range of issues in a way that strengthens the Japan-U.S. alliance. The two sides agreed to continue to hold close consultations.
Regarding the financial market and the world economy, both leaders agreed that the two countries would cooperate closely in order to ensure the recovery of the world economy and to realize its sustainable growth.
President Obama stated that he is looking forward to visiting Japan this November and intends to hold many meetings with Prime Minister Hatoyama in the years to come, including this opportunity of visit to Japan.
2. The State of Asia-Pacific Region
(1) The Outline
Prime Minister Hatoyama expressed his idea that with the Japan-U.S. Alliance as the linchpin, Japan would strengthen the relationship of trust and promote regional cooperation with Asian nations. President Obama welcomed this, and both sides agreed to continue close cooperation.
(2) North Korea
Regarding North Korea, both agreed that North Korea's possession of nuclear weapons and development of nuclear programs by North Korea cannot be tolerated, and that the Six-Party Talks is the most effective framework for solving this issue. Prime Minister Hatoyama stated that it is important that the U.S.-North Korea dialogue is carried out within the framework of the Six-Party Talks and in a manner that will contribute to the abandonment of North Korea's nuclear capability, and asked for the continued support on the abduction issue. Both leaders agreed that a comprehensive solution of the abduction, nuclear, and missile issues is important, and that they would further strengthen the Japan-U.S. cooperation to the end.
(3) Indonesia
Prime Minister Hatoyama stated that Japan emphasizes the importance of settling the universal values such as democracy and human rights in Asia, and in this respect, highly values the fact that the Indonesian President Yudhoyono is promoting "The Bali Democracy Forum" and intends to support his effort. President Obama agreed with Prime Minister Hatoyama.
3. Global Issues
(1) Climate Change
With regard to the issue of climate change, Prime Minister Hatoyama announced that Japan would aim to reduce its emissions by 25% by 2020, compared to the 1990 level, on the premise that a fair and effective international framework is established and ambitious targets are agreed upon by all the major economies. Both leaders agreed to closely cooperate in order to advance the international negotiations towards COP15.
(2) Afghanistan - Pakistan
Both sides agreed that the stability and the reconstruction of Afghanistan and Pakistan are important issues which are linked to the eradication of terrorism and the stability of the world. Prime Minister Hatoyama conveyed that Japan would proactively work on feasible reconstruction assistance such as civil and agricultural assistance as its own issue.
(3) Nuclear Disarmament - Non-Proliferation
With regard to the nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, Prime Minister Hatoyama stated that he shares the goal of pursuing "a world without nuclear weapons" with President Obama, and that many Japanese people were moved by President's speech in Prague. Also, Prime Minister Hatoyama expressed his respect to the President's leadership toward the holding of the UN Security Council Summit which was going to take place the next day. Both leaders agreed to cooperate closely together in the field of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
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