Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet  
Speeches and Statements by Prime Minister TOP

Statement by Prime Minister Taro Aso
on the inauguration of President Obama
as President of the United States of America

21 January 2009
(Provisional Translation)


  1. On behalf of the Government of Japan, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the inauguration of President Obama.
  2. President Obama was elected with wide range of support from American people.
    I believe President Obama will exercise outstanding leadership and achieve great success, leading his distinguished team on each field including foreign policy, national security, economy, environment/energy, in overcoming the serious economic situations and other difficult challenges.
  3. Japan and the United States are allies sharing the universal values and the strategic interests.
    I am confident that Japan and the United States, which are in the position of leading the world, can create a better future, by putting together our expertise, will, passion and strategy.
    With this conviction, I intend to work hand in hand with President Obama, to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance, and make efforts towards the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world.