Yesterday, Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen held a meeting with Japan's Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato during the 2024 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The discussion took place in Washington.

Secretary Yellen congratulated Minister Kato on his recent appointment and emphasized the significance of the partnership between the United States and Japan in addressing global challenges. She described the relationship as one of America's strongest alliances and highlighted Japan as a major trading partner.

The conversation also focused on collaboration between their respective treasuries to strengthen international financial institutions. Additionally, they discussed efforts to counter Russia's ongoing conflict against Ukraine.

"Secretary Yellen congratulated Minister Kato on his appointment and affirmed the importance of the United States’ partnership with Japan on addressing global challenges," stated an official readout from their meeting.