Address by H.E. Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan at the 45th Annual Japan-U.S. Business Conference hosted by Japan-U.S. Business Councils

Embassy of Japan

October 3, 2008

  Address by H.E. Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan at the 45th Annual Japan-U.S. Business Conference hosted by Japan-U.S. Business Councils

Japanese

Ladies and Gentlemen;

   It is my great pleasure to be able to address you at this 45th Annual Japan-U.S. Business Conference.

   As you all know, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 was passed in the U.S. Congress last weekend. I think people are paying close attention to how the U.S. will implement the bill, but in any case, it was a significant progress, and I welcome it wholeheartedly. I imagine business leaders worldwide, including those present here today, have been closely following and dealing with the financial crisis in the international market. I personally felt its seriousness upon visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly immediately after assuming the office of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. The scale of the international impact of this problem has renewed my understanding of the importance of international cooperation and coordination on this challenge.

   "My principle is strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance; this should always come first." These are the words that new Prime Minister Aso stated in his Policy Speech to the Diet last week. I totally agree with him.

   Japan has been conducting diplomacy with a solid Japan-U.S. alliance as its cornerstone. Japan has been able to enjoy peace and prosperity for over half a century undeniably because solid U.S. presence in this region has been maintained. The Japan-U.S. alliance, which has strengthened through the eight years of the Bush administration, has become a significant asset for both our countries. Opinion polls show that mutual trust between the citizens of Japan and the U.S. is extremely high. It goes without saying that this relationship is based on the economic, cultural and personal exchanges between our two countries, and the valuable support from both countries' business leaders. From that standpoint I would like to express my gratitude to everyone present.

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