Significance of the Japan-U.S. Relationship
- President Clinton's Visit to Japan -

November 30, 1998

1. On November 19 and 20, President Bill Clinton visited Japan and met with Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi for the second time in less than two months. The first meeting between Prime Minister Obuchi and President Clinton took place in September in New York, when the prime minister was attending the United Nations General Assembly Session. They had confirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship and established a working relationship in promoting close cooperation between the two countries. The President's visit demonstrated the relationship of close cooperation and coordination between Japan and the United States and contributed to further deepening mutual trust of the two leaders and strengthening our bilateral ties.
2. Given the global challenges now faced by Japan and the United States, such as the turbulent global economy and concerns about North Korea, close bilateral cooperation and coordination have become increasingly important. The Japan-U.S. relationship provides an indispensable foundation for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, and the consultation between the two leaders was very timely in the context of the current political and economic situations.
3. During President Clinton's visit, the two leaders reconfirmed the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship. They further agreed that the two countries should step up their joint efforts to deal with important issues of global concern, such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East peace process, and measures taken by both countries aimed at stabilizing the global economy. In line with the broad-ranging ties of cooperation between the two countries, the leaders confirmed the progress achieved in Japan-U.S. collaboration on issues affecting the international community as a whole, and the Government of Japan released an announcement on these subjects.
4. President Clinton invited Prime Minister Obuchi to make an official visit to the United States around the beginning of May next year. Prime Minister Obuchi expressed his gratitude for the invitation and replied that he looked forward to making such a trip. Thus, the close coordination of the Japan-U.S. partnership will be continued at the highest level.