Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministerial Meeting (Summary)

 

September 28, 2007

 

On September 27, Japanese Foreign Minister Koumura held a meeting for about 45 minutes with Secretary of State Rice.

 

1. Japan-U.S. Relations

 

Foreign Minister Koumura stated that he visited the United States on the very day that the Fukuda Cabinet was formed in order to signify that the Japan-U.S. alliance continued to be the cornerstone of Japanese diplomacy. He mentioned that he would like to continue to make serious efforts to further strengthen Japan-U.S. relations. Secretary Rice then stated that she was delighted that he visited on the inauguration day of the new Japanese cabinet, such a visit being proof of the friendship between Japan and the United States, and that the Japan-U.S. alliance runs both broad and deep. Acknowledging that Japan-U.S. relations had been good so far, she added that at this moment, they were in their best state ever.

Both sides accorded to make efforts to realize an early visit by Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda to the United States .

 

2. North Korea

 

Foreign Minister Koumura, with the commencement of the Six-Party Talks from the 27 th in mind, stated that he would like to cooperate in establishing the roadmap of the next phase and work together with the U.S. . He further explained that there was no change in Japan’s stance under the Fukuda Cabinet of pushing Japan-North Korea relations forward through seriously addressing the issues between Japan and North Korea and reaching a comprehensive resolution to the nuclear, abduction, and missile issues. Moreover, Foreign Minister Koumura asked for close cooperation from the United States , including the issue of removing North Korea from the list of countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, in order to push Japan-North Korean relations forward.

Secretary Rice replied that she understood Japan's basic stance and would cooperate as much as possible, and that in any case, the United States would cooperate closely with Japan .

 

3. Myanmar

 

Foreign Minister Koumura expressed his profound regrets over the fact that Myanmar’s security authorities had exercised violence against monks and citizens participating in the demonstrations, injuring and killing people. He explained that, to express Japan’s regret, Japanese Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Kimura had summoned Myanmar Ambassador to Japan Hla Min on the 27th.

Secretary Rice responded, saying that, as the current situation in Myanmar is very regrettable, the international community should make a united response and that the issue should be dealt with by the UN Security Council. She added that it was necessary to support the efforts of the Special Advisor to UN Secretary-General, Ibrahim Gambari, to improve the situation in Myanmar . Both sides agreed to closely communicate on this matter.

Furthermore, Foreign Minister Koumura referred to the death of Mr. Kenji Nagai, a Japanese journalist, to which Secretary Rice expressed her condolences.

 

4. The Fight Against Terrorism

 

Foreign Minister Koumura mentioned that although a serious debate would be expected in the Japanese Diet over Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force’s support to Maritime Interdiction Operations, Japan would make efforts to continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s refueling and support activities bearing in mind the appreciation of the international community as was shown by UN Security Council Resolution 1776. He requested information from the U.S. government in order to make necessary explanations to the Japanese Diet and the Japanese people.

Secretary Rice stated that she appreciated Japan's activities and hoped such activities could be continued, and responded that the United States would provide as much information as possible.

 

5. China

 

Foreign Minister Koumura explained that there was no change in the policy to build a "mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests" between Japan and China and that it was necessary to elicit a constructive engagement from China. He further explained that the China’s development was a good opportunity but that encouraging more transparency in China's military affairs was needed. Secretary Rice stated that she was of the same view and stated that it was important to encourage China toward constructive engagement.

 

6. Iran

 

Foreign Minister Koumura noted that for the purpose of the peaceful and diplomatic solution of the nuclear issue, it was important that the international community concertedly urge Iran and deliver its message to Iran . Secretary Rice praised Japan’s approach to this issue. Both sides reaffirmed to continue cooperation on this issue.

 

7. Security Council Reform

 

Foreign Minister Koumura expressed his appreciation to President Bush for his remarks on the need to advance UN Security Council reform, as well as his support to Japan as its permanent member in his address to the UN General Assembly on September 25. Both sides agreed to continue cooperation on the issue.

 

8. Climate Change

 

Secretary Rice stated that the U.S. would like to work with Japan to make achievements at next year's G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit and that it requires a comprehensive approach that integrates economic development, energy security and environmental measures.

Foreign Minister Koumura explained that Japan’s stance was expressed by three principles which Japan considered essential for the post 2012 framework: the participation of all major emitters; flexible framework; and compatibility between economic growth and environmental protection. Foreign Minister Koumura added that this position was basically based on a perspective shared by the United States . In response, Secretary Rice noted that both technological innovation and successful policies would be essential to get all major emitters’ participation.