US and Japan Reaffirm Continued Global Alliance and Partnership

By Mina Fabulous    

As two of the three strongest economies in the world, United States of America and Japan today reaffirmed continued alliance and partnership.

In his remarks with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida before their meeting, Secretary of State John Kerry says two countries meet in Washington DC as very special friends in a very strong alliance.

"It is an alliance that I can say to you is really evolving into a global partnership and which is critical to the peace and security of the Asia Pacific." - Mr. Kerry

A Japanese mayor throws a pitch to a U.S. Navy captain. Japan and the U.S. share many cultural links, including a love for baseball imported from the U.S.A. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Mr. Kerry expresses gratefulness to the people of Japan and the leadership of Japan for their extraordinary cooperation on a number of global issues: on counterterrorism - the efforts with respect to Afghanistan; where Japan has been a major partner  efforts in Mali most recently.

According to Mr. Kerry, Japan has worked hard with respect to the issue of nuclear nonproliferation.

Japan has been an important partner in reducing the level of fuel being used and bought, purchased from Iran, he added.

"Japan is also a very important partner in efforts to try to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions, and the Prime Minister raised this issue in the conversation with the President." - Mr. Kerry

And Japan, importantly, has been part of the Major Economies Forum and the Clean Climate Coalition and other initiatives, he added.

US underscores the importance of the relationship with Japan

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

According to Mr. Kerry, obviously everybody has been aware of tensions around the Senkakus Islands, and he compliments Japan on the restraint that it has shown, its efforts to try to make sure that it does not flare up into a significant confrontation.

"We believe the alliance with Japan is strong, our security commitments with Japan are real and we stand behind them, and they are strong." - Mr. Kerry

Japan looks forward to deepen cooperation with US

According to Japanese Foreign Minister Kishida, (via interpreter), he appreciates the kind and powerful messages and words from Secretary Kerry with regard to Japan.

Mr. Kishida says right after taking office as Secretary of State, they have had two opportunities so far to talk to each other over the phone.

Japan has looked forward to having discussions on the Japan-U.S. alliance, as well as how it responds to the situations in the Asia Pacific, in the Middle East, as well as the Sahel, and also how it looks forward to working on global issues such as

"Obviously, the Japan-U.S. alliance is a lynchpin of the Japan's foreign policy. " - Mr. Kishida

He says that by working together hand in hand with Mr. Secretary, both countries would like to achieve progress in reinforcing the Japan-U.S. alliance.

US and Japan Boost Alliance in the 21st Century

Reaffirming that alliance with Japan remains the cornerstone of American engagement in Asia, the United States in America and Japan has strengthened bilateral relationship in the 21st century.

Both countries address regional issues from North Korea to those in ASEAN and meet global challenges together from Afghanistan to Iran, and worked to respond to the earthquake and tsunami.

On North Korea

Both countries shared joint commitment to strong action in the UN Security Council on North Korea.

US continues to support Japan's efforts to return Japanese citizens who have been abducted by the DPRK.

On Regional Security

With regard to regional security, US reiterated longstanding American policy on the Senkaku Islands and US treaty obligations.

Both countries discussed base realignment issues. Both want to reduce the impact of their bases on host communities while maintaining the ability to defend Japan's territory and people and preserve stability and security.

United States and Japan are deeply engaged with the Pacific Islands Forum as well.

Both countries also reaffirmed alliance on the areas of security, not only the Asia-Pacific region but around the world.

In May 28, 2010, the members of the United States-Japan Security Consultative Committee (SCC) reconfirmed that, in the 50th anniversary year of the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, the U.S.-Japan Alliance remains indispensable not only to the defense of Japan, but also to the peace, security, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.

In this regard, the United States reiterated its unwavering commitment to Japan's security. Japan reconfirmed its commitment to playing a positive role in contributing to the peace and stability of the region.

Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain english. Read more stories by Mina Fabulous. Contact Mina through NewsBlaze.