Foreign Minister Iwaya shaking hands with Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Foreign Minister Iwaya shaking hands with Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Foreign Minister Iwaya and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the meeting
Foreign Minister Iwaya and Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the meeting
At the outset, Minister Iwaya stated that he would like to work together with the United States to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law. The two Ministers concurred to continue working closely together to elevate the Japan-U.S. Alliance to new heights.
The two Ministers concurred to work closely to convene a Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee (SCC) (Japan-U.S. “2+2”) and Japan-U.S. Economic Policy Consultative Committee (the Economic "2+2") at an early date, and to closely cooperate to realize President Trump’s visit to Japan.
The two Ministers concurred to advance cooperation to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance based on the outcomes of the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting in February. The two Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to the steady implementation of the realignment of U.S. Forces in Japan as concurred in the past Summit Meeting.
The two Ministers reaffirmed that they will communicate closely to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. economic relations based on the outcomes of the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting in February. In this context, the Ministers discussed bilateral cooperation in the field of energy, including LNG.
Regarding the additional tariff measures on steel and aluminum products, Minister Iwaya conveyed that it is regrettable that the imposition of additional tariffs has begun without Japan being excluded, despite Japan's claims that it be excluded from the measures. Minister Iwaya also lodged a claim that Japan should not be subject to tariff measures such as reciprocal tariffs and tariffs on automobiles.
The two Ministers exchanged views on regional affairs.
The two Ministers shared the view on issues related to China, and confirmed their opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, including in the East and South China Seas. In addition, the Ministers confirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.
The two Ministers exchanged views on the situation concerning North Korea including its nuclear and missile issues. Minister Iwaya asked for continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abductions issue, and gained support from Secretary Rubio.
Minister Iwaya stated the fact that the United States and Ukraine have agreed on a tentative ceasefire proposal is an important step forward, and welcomed it. The two Ministers concurred to continue to work together closely on the situation in Ukraine.