Secretary Antony J. Blinken recently addressed the press, expressing gratitude towards Japanese officials for their collaboration over the past four years. "Let me begin just by thanking the prime minister, my friend the foreign minister, actually all of my Japanese colleagues over these past four years," he stated.
Blinken highlighted President Biden's directive to revitalize alliances and partnerships, noting that his first official trip as Secretary of State was to Japan. He emphasized the significance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, saying it has evolved from a bilateral relationship to one with regional and global focus.
Reflecting on progress made during his tenure, Blinken remarked on the strengthened security partnership between the two nations. "If you look at what we’ve done together on strengthening our security partnership relationship... remarkable steps just in these last few years," he noted.
The economic ties between Japan and the United States were also mentioned. Blinken stated that both countries are major investors in each other's economies and collaborate on various issues such as supply chains and artificial intelligence rules.
The Secretary underscored joint efforts in forming networks across regions including trilateral relationships with Korea and the Philippines, as well as revitalizing alliances like the Quad with India and Australia.
He praised Japan's stance during Russia's aggression against Ukraine in 2022: "One of the first countries to stand up strongly for Ukraine was Japan." This demonstrated a shared commitment to international principles such as territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Blinken expressed confidence in future collaborations based on shared ideals between Japan and the United States. "We have between our countries is something exceptional," he said, highlighting ongoing cooperation efforts.
Ambassador Emanuel echoed Blinken’s sentiments about the strong alliance, emphasizing its transformation over time: "You have something that’s 180 degrees different." He described it not only as an alliance but also a friendship capable of achieving significant global impacts.
"Wherever you go in the region and around the globe, the United States and Japan stand shoulder-to-shoulder," Emanuel concluded, underscoring mutual understanding and problem-solving capabilities between both nations.
