The United States of America and Japn today issued a joint statement on defense posture.
The joint statement was realeased on 8th of February 2012 in Washington, D.C and Tokyo.
U.S.-Japan relations are in excellent shape and both countries are looking forward to strong progress on a range of issues in 2012.
In the statement, both countries reaffirm strong commitment to strengthen their robust security alliance, which is dedicated to the security of Japan and to the maintenance of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
Both countries remain committed to mitigating the impact of U.S. forces on Okinawa, as well as to the construction of the Futenma Replacement Facility at the Camp Schwab Henoko-saki area and adjacent waters.
Both countries believe that the current Futenma Replacement Facility plan is the only viable way forward.
Both parties underscore that the development of Guam as a strategic hub, with an operational Marine Corps presence including Marines relocated from Okinawa, remains an essential part of the Alliance’s Asia-Pacific Strategy.
Two governments have also started official discussions to adjust their current posture plans set forth in the Realignment Roadmap, in particular delinking both the movement of Marines to Guam and resulting land returns south of Kadena from progress on the Futenma Replacement Facility.
Two parties also review the unit composition and the number of Marines who will relocate to Guam.
Both countries reaffirm commitment to achieving an end-state Marine presence remaining on Okinawa in line with the Roadmap.
The joint effort aims to advance the strategic objectives of the Alliance and reflects their shared vision for the maintenance of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
The U.S.-Japan partnership is key to pursuing peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and in promoting shared values around the world.
