Secretary Blinken’s Call with Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi

The following readout was published by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs on Jan. 5. It is reproduced in full below.

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayashi Yoshimasa. They reiterated their unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity and discussed efforts to deter Russia from further military action or other aggressive acts. Secretary Blinken condemned the DPRK’s ballistic missile launch and stressed U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan remains ironclad. They also discussed cooperation to achieve the complete denuclearization and lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Hayashi reiterated their commitment to modernizing the U.S.-Japan Alliance, aligning strategic goals, and further strengthening cooperation. They also expressed their shared commitment to combatting and recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs