Tokyo, Japan – January 7, 2025
U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi met today at the Capitol Hotel Tokyu in Tokyo, Japan, to discuss the strengthening of the U.S.-Japan alliance and address key regional and global challenges. This meeting follows their discussions in Peru last November and is yet another milestone in the close cooperation between the two nations.
A Stronger Partnership Amid Global Challenges
Iwaya first expressed his condolence message in light of the sad event regarding the death of former US President Jimmy Carter and highly praised his incredible work. "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former President Carter, who left behind a legacy of incredible accomplishments," Iwaya said to express Japan's deep sorrow.
The Minister also deeply condoled with the tragic incident in New Orleans and further extended the message of continued solidarity on behalf of Japan to the United States: "Such acts of violence can never be justified under any circumstance," Iwaya said, adding that Japan was extending its thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
Amidst all this gloom, Iwaya gave a warm welcome to Secretary Blinken, underlining the importance of the alliance. "We believe that your first overseas trip as Secretary of State was to Japan, and now, as your tenure draws to a close, you have chosen to visit again, underscoring the importance you place on the U.S.-Japan partnership," Iwaya said.
Secretary Blinken Comments on the Alliance
Secretary Blinken, in his remarks, noted that it was a personal and professional pleasure to return to Japan, adding that his first trip as Secretary of State was to Japan and this may likely be his last official trip in the same role. "I’ve been to Japan seven times over the last four years, and to the Indo-Pacific region 21 times," Blinken said, adding that these visits reflect the central role the United States places on its partnership with Japan.
Blinken underscored the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship, saying, "This partnership has grown stronger than ever before. What began as a focus on bilateral relations has expanded to encompass regional and global challenges." He said that Japan's success in the world was a prime mover behind the strength of the alliance, adding that the United States values Japan's influence and leadership in the world highly.
Continuing Shared Goals and Regional Concerns
While both countries are in periods of political transition, Blinken was quick to stress that global challenges do not wait for changes in government. "The world doesn't stop or wait for our transitions," he said, citing the recent missile launch by North Korea as one of many pressing issues on which the two countries continue working together.
Blinken also spoke to the success that U.S.-Japan "2+2" dialogues have had on security and economics in setting their ties to become more strategic and deep in nature, including economically. "The foundational strength of our alliance - in security, economics, innovation, and people-to-people exchanges - has never been better," Blinken said. "We look forward to continuing this important work and to expanding our cooperation in the months and years ahead."
Look to the Future
As both leaders wrapped up their remarks, each demonstrated his confidence in the future of the Japan-U.S. alliance. Minister Iwaya reiterated Japan's commitment to further elevating the relationship, while Blinken reaffirmed that the U.S. would continue to prioritize its partnership with Japan in taking on common global challenges.
The meeting comes at a very critical time when both countries are trying to work their way through an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, with concerns over North Korea's missile activities, regional security, and economic cooperation remaining high on the agenda.
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