Tuesday, February 17, 2009

The Prime Minister Receives a Courtesy Call from Secretary of State of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton

Prime Minister Taro Aso received a courtesy call from the Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States, at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the beginning, Prime Minister Aso stated that he welcomes Secretary Clinton's visit to Japan and takes it as an indication of the Obama administration's stance of attaching importance to Japan. The Prime Minister also said that the Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy, expressing his intention to further strengthen the alliance together with President Obama and Secretary Clinton. In response, Secretary Clinton stated that the Japan-US alliance is the foundation of the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and that she hopes to further strengthen the alliance.

Prime Minister Aso expressed his appreciation for the invitation from President Obama and asked Secretary Clinton to convey to the President his intention to visit the United States, after completing necessary domestic procedures, to hold a summit meeting. To this, Secretary Clinton said that President Obama also wishes to meet Prime Minister Aso as soon as possible. It was agreed during the Japan-US foreign ministerial meeting in the morning that the two sides will accelerate the coordination for Prime Minister Aso's visit to the United States, with the aim of holding a Japan-US summit meeting on February 24.

Prime Minister Aso explained Japan's position on the issue of North Korea, saying that Japan places importance on the comprehensive resolution of abduction, nuclear, and missile issues, as well as other outstanding issues of concern. Secretary Clinton and Prime Minister Aso agreed on close cooperation in this regard. Prime Minister Aso requested the continued cooperation of the United States for the early resolution of the abduction issue, to which Secretary Clinton acknowledged the importance of Japan-US cooperation, while mentioning her meeting with family members of abductees.

Prime Minister Aso and Secretary Clinton also agreed that Japan and the United States will cooperate in addressing global issues such as climate change, energy, and global health. It was also agreed that both countries will closely consult each other on the climate change issue in particular.

Related Link

• Japan-U.S. Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)