On the occasion of the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura met with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in New York on September 17th. At very short notice, a meeting among Japan-U.S.-South Korea Foreign Ministers was held from 15:25 to 15:40 and subsequently the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was held from 15:40 to 16:15.
I. Japan - U.S. - South Korea Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
The three ministers concurred on the importance of working closely together in order to make progress at the Six-Party Talks.
II. Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
1. Japan-U.S. Security Alliance
(1) Transformation of U.S. forces
Minister Machimura stated that Japan would like to accelerate the consultation process in order to achieve concrete results promptly from the standpoint of maintaining the deterrence of U.S. forces and reducing the burden on local communities such as those in Okinawa.
(2) Sharing of Costs for the U.S. forces stationed in Japan
Minister Machimura stated that sharing of costs for the U.S. forces stationed in Japan is an important issue for the Japan-U.S. security alliance, and that he would like to accelerate the consultation process on the next special measures agreement, taking into consideration Japan ’s difficult financial situation.
2. Japan-U.S. Strategic Development Alliance
Both Ministers decided to release the joint statement on the Japan-U.S. Strategic Development Alliance as attached. Minister Machimura said that Japan attaches particular importance to the realization of the Millennium Development Goals and would like to work together with the U.S. in this regard, with which Secretary Rice accorded.
3. BSE
(1) Minister Machimura stated that scientific discussions are underway by the Food Safety Commission Expert Committee on Prions in Japan, that the Commission is an independent organ and it is not possible to specify when the Committee will arrive at a conclusion, but that the Japanese Government will continue to make efforts for the early resolution of the issue based on science and in a manner that will secure the food safety for Japanese consumers.
(2) In response, Secretary Rice reiterated that the U.S. attaches extreme importance to the early resolution of the issue as has been stated repeatedly.
4. Afghanistan
(1) Minister Machimura said that the elections scheduled on the 18th for the lower House and the Provincial Council are significant for completing Afghanistan’s political process, that Japan has supported the elections with $ 5 million of emergency assistance this month in addition to the $ 8 million last month, and that Japan would like to continue to work with the U.S.
(2) Minister Machimura also stated that terrorism is the common threat for human beings and the concerted effort of international community to fight against terrorism is necessary, and that Japan recognizes the “War on Terror” as its own security issue and is considering continuation of the activities of the Maritime Self-Defense Forces in the Indian Ocean.
(3) In response, Secretary Rice stated that the elections in Afghanistan are extremely important and that it is important for international community to continue its support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan , which has already seen big progress. Secretary Rice highly appreciated Japan’s contribution and thanked Japan for its stance on considering the continuation of the activities of the Maritime Self-Defense Forces in the region.
5. Iraq
(1) Minister Machimura welcomed the completion of the Iraq Constitution Draft, and stated his hope that the discussion process will move forward toward the election next month. In addition, he expressed his hope that the efforts of the Iraqi transitional government to strengthen its security forces will be successful despite the difficult security situation, and said that Japan would like to continue its support for Iraqi reconstruction.
(2) In response, Secretary Rice stated that there has been progress both in the political process and in strengthening the security forces under the Iraqi transitional government, and that international support continues to be important and Japan ’s contribution is highly appreciated.
6. Iran
(1) Minister Machimura said that if Iran does not stop uranium conversion activities there should be a discussion at the meeting of IAEA Board of Governors in September as to whether to take the issue to the United Nations Security Council. He pronounced Japan’s stance that Iran should suspend all uranium conversion activities and come back to the negotiation table with the EU 3 countries.
(2) In response, Secretary Rice stated that nuclear development of Iran is an international issue, to which the U.S. pays serious attention.
7. United Nations Reform
Minister Machimura expressed his gratitude for Secretary Rice’s strong support for the reform and expansion of the Security Council and Japan’s joining its permanent members articulated in her speech on the 17 th. He stated that it was a big step forward that the Outcome Document covered comprehensive issues such as establishment of the Human Rights Council and Peace Building Committee, reform of the Secretariat and reform of the Security Council. Both Ministers shared the view that Japan and the United States will work together toward the realization of the United Nations reform, including that of the Security Council.
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