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Prime Minister Receives a Courtesy Call from U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Thursday, October 19, 2006 JAPANESE

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the U.S. Secretary of State, at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. In her greetings, Secretary Rice congratulated Prime Minister Abe on his inauguration as Prime Minister. During the meeting, which focused on North Korea and other issues, Prime Minister Abe said, "I have been upholding the Japan-U.S. alliance for the stability of Asia and the world. In the face of the challenges posed by North Korea, I would like to demonstrate that the Japan-U.S. alliance is for the stability of Asia." Secretary Rice responded by saying, "I have come to Japan first on this tour in order to make it clear that the U.S.-Japan alliance is strong and unshakable in any situation. The commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan is based not only on the belief that we share common values, but also on the idea that Japanese security is U.S. security." Taking note of an upcoming trilateral meeting by the foreign ministers of Japan, the United States, and South Korea, Prime Minister Abe and Secretary Rice agreed that cooperation among those three countries is extremely important. Furthermore, Secretary Rice said, "We continue to support Japan's stance on the abduction issue. The latest United Nations Security Council resolution makes a reference to humanitarian issues. In my understanding, this reference points to the abductions." Prime Minister Abe said, "I am greatly heartened by the Secretary's reference to the abduction issue." Prime Minister Abe also said, "I am very pleased to have held such a substantial talk with Secretary Rice. The close ties between Japan and the United States should be demonstrated at times such as this. I consider this visit by Secretary Rice to be of great significance."