FOREIGN MINISTER KAMIKAWA: (Via interpreter) Secretary Blinken, Secretary Austin, I am sincerely delighted to welcome you to Tokyo. I am delighted that we are able to hold the Japan-U.S. 2+2 meeting. The official visit by Prime Minister Kishida to the United States in April was a historic visit, elevating the Japan-U.S. alliance to an unprecedented level. The 2+2 meeting this time is an invaluable opportunity to further boost the Japan-U.S. alliance by linking the outcome of the prime minister's visit to concrete actions.
We are at a historic turning point. Developments that shake the very foundation of a free and open international order based on rule of law are continuing. Thus, decisions taken by us today will determine our future. We are at a critical juncture. In order to thoroughly defend the existing international order, we need to continuously strengthen our alliance and enhance deterrence power. Japan and the U.S. need to strengthen further cooperation with like-minded countries who share strategic objectives. I am fully committed to such endeavors and look forward to having discussions with both gentlemen.
So, Secretary Blinken, please.
SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, Yoko, thank you very much, and to you and Minister Kihara, Secretary of Defense Austin and I are so pleased to be here with all of our colleagues, reaffirming our unwavering support for the alliance between Japan and the United States—the cornerstone of peace, security, stability in the Indo-Pacific—and really critical for tackling global challenges. We were saying earlier as we were meeting that I don’t think there’s been a time—at least in my experience—when the alliance between our countries has been stronger. Indeed, it’s reflected in that we’re working together not only on bilateral issues but also on regional and global issues.
This is an opportunity with the 2+2 meeting to assess progress in fulfilling commitments made during Prime Minister Kishida’s visit in April. It’s fair to say that we face unprecedented challenges but also have an alliance ready to tackle them. This global partnership works diplomatically, militarily, economically; we're pleased for this opportunity with all colleagues in this format to deepen and strengthen our joint work.
FOREIGN MINISTER KAMIKAWA: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much. Minister Kihara, please.
DEFENSE MINISTER KIHARA: (Via interpreter) Secretary Austin, Secretary Blinken, I am delighted to welcome you here in Tokyo for an in-person meeting. At the Japan-U.S summit meeting in April, we recognized that our alliance has reached unprecedented heights and affirmed its role as a cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. However,the surrounding security environment has become increasingly severe.As defense minister,I strongly recognize that strengthening collaboration between Japan,the U.S.,and other partner countries is necessary for maintaining a free,and open Indo-Pacific.
In accordance with respective national security strategies formulated at end-2022,both nations have implemented initiatives improving deterrence.Japan has advanced initiatives fundamentally strengthening defense capabilities,such as establishing JJOC,and enhancing standard defense capability since January 2023's 2+2 meeting.We've evolved roles,missions based on these strengthened capabilities.Today,I look forward discussing various initiatives strengthening our alliance post-April summit outcomes,such as modernizing command/control frameworks;defense equipment/technology cooperation including industry collaboration;promoting multilateral defense cooperation with Australia,Korea,etc.
FOREIGN MINISTER KAMIKAWA: (Via interpreter) Thank you Mr.Kihara.Secretary Austin please.
SECRETARY AUSTIN: Ministers Kamikawa,Kihara thanks for warm welcome hosting us for this historic dialogue.Our countries made outstanding progress toward shared vision of free/open Indo-Pacific,and belief rules-based international order.Shared principles help tackle common challenges.We see PRC engaging coercive behavior trying change status quo East/South China Seas,Taiwan region.We're alarmed North Korea's nuclear program,rhetoric,deeper Russia cooperation threatening regional/global security.But we're countering by closer collaboration.Today,we'll discuss efforts modernizing U.S.-Japan command/control as tasked during April summit reflecting extraordinary progress developing roles/missions/capabilities including upgrading U.S.Forces Japan,a significant development.I'm proud supporting Japan's counterstrike capability bolstering industrial cooperation including missile coproduction,increasing bilateral presence southwest islands improving deterrence managing destabilizing behavior.Strengthening regional defense cooperation includes Australia India Korea Philippines.Later,today we'll discuss deepening extended deterrence cooperation.U.S.commitment defending Japan unwavering including conventional/nuclear capabilities central heart strong U.S.-Japan alliance.Ministers thanks again hosting looking forward great discussion.
