Top > What's up around the Prime Minister > July, 2005

Secretary of State of the United States of America Condoleezza Rice Pays a Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Tuesday, July 12, 2005 JAPANESE Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi received a courtesy call from Dr. Condoleezza Rice, the Secretary of State of the United States of America at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Prime Minister Koizumi and Secretary of State Rice held a meeting, at which they discussed about the visit to Saipan by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, the United Nations (UN) reform, the issue of North Korea, the realignment of US force structure in Japan and the fight against terrorism, among other topics. With regard to the UN reform, Prime Minister Koizumi expressed his gratitude for the support given by the US towards Japan's bid to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council. He stated, "While Japan is working hard as a member of the Group of Four (G4), I believe it is important to carry out the UN reform in realizing the Japan-US alliance and international coordination." Secretary of State Rice remarked that the US position is to engage in the Security Council reform as part of the reform of the entire UN. Regarding the issue of North Korea, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that Japan appreciates the US efforts to bring about the prospect of the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. Secretary of State Rice commented that the US intends to continue its close cooperation with Japan. As for the realignment of US force structure in Japan, Secretary of State Rice noted on the importance for Mr. George W. Bush, the President of the United States of America, and Prime Minister Koizumi to together engage in and carry forward their efforts with a view to building the Japan-US alliance in the 21st century. She expressed her expectation that this will in turn lead to historical achievements for both leaders. Furthermore, Secretary of State Rice shared that she and Mr. Nobutaka Machimura, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, agreed to continue their discussions with a goal to draw up some sort of result in around this September. In response to this, Prime Minister Koizumi stated, "I too attach importance to reducing the burden imposed on the residents of Okinawa and other prefectures while maintaining deterrence. As such, I intend to continue our vigorous discussions with the US on this issue." Lastly, Secretary of State Rice commented that the US highly evaluates the contribution provided by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in Iraq and Afghanistan. Prime Minister Koizumi stated, "The reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan must be realized without fail. To this end, it is important for Japan to work in cooperation with the world. Furthermore, the terrorist attacks in London reaffirmed the importance of taking measures against terrorism."