Japan-U.S. Summit Telephone Meeting
July 9, 2022
[Provisional translation]
On July 9, commencing at 8:00 am, for 10 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a telephone meeting with the Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States of America. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. At the outset, President Biden expressed his condolences to the passing of former Prime Minister Abe on behalf of the people of the U.S. Furthermore, President Biden stated that he stands with the Prime Minister and the people of Japan, noting that former Prime Minister Abe led the international community as an outstanding leader and left a significant mark on the deepening of Japan-U.S. relationships.
2. In response, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude for President Biden’s remarks and stated that the despicable act that took place in the midst of an election, the very foundation of democracy, is absolutely unacceptable. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that as the incumbent Prime Minister, he would not give in to violence and would defend democracy, and strive to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance, carrying on the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe who lifted the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights.
2. In response, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude for President Biden’s remarks and stated that the despicable act that took place in the midst of an election, the very foundation of democracy, is absolutely unacceptable. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that as the incumbent Prime Minister, he would not give in to violence and would defend democracy, and strive to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance, carrying on the legacy of former Prime Minister Abe who lifted the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights.
