Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministerial Meeting
1. Japan-U.S. Relations
(1)The Outline
Minister Maehara and Secretary Clinton affirmed to work on the culture of the process to deepen the alliance for the upcoming Prime Minister Kan's visit to the U.S. in the first half of this year. Specifically, both ministers agreed on making as much progress as possible in the field of security, economy and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and at the same time to continue dialogue with each other about a vision of the Japan-U.S. alliance in the 21st century.
(2)Security
Regarding the Japan-U.S. security cooperation, both sides agreed to advance reviewing and revalidating the Common Strategic Objectives based on the assessment of the latest regional security environment. Both side also agreed to accelerate consultation for more smooth cooperation between Japan and the U.S. on defense of Japan and situations in areas surrounding Japan.
Concerning the Futenma relocation issue, Minister Maehara stated that there is no change in the intention to implement the Japan-U.S. agreement in last May and expressed the intention to make utmost efforts to gain understanding of Okinawa people. Both sides agreed that the two countries would continue to cooperate in reducing the impact of bases on Okinawa.
Both sides agreed to coordinate toward holding "2+2" at an appropriate time.
(3)Economy
Minister Maehara stated that he would promote discussion about liberalization of trade and investment such as TPP and attached importance to cooperation on superconducting maglev and high-speed railway, from the viewpoint of ensuring the two countries' reciprocal economic growth which underpins the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Both sides also reaffirmed that they would continue to discuss the issue of U.S. beef imports.
Further, both sides agreed to stay in close coordination on issues such as securing stable supply of strategic resources including rare earth and developing their alternative materials.
(4)The Issue of Child Custody
Secretary Clinton pointed out the issue of child custody and requested again the early conclusion of the Hague Convention. In response, Foreign Minister Maehara stated that Japan was deliberating seriously as to the possibility of concluding the Hague Convention.
2. Asia-Pacific region
(1)North Korea
Both sides recognized that the Japan-U.S.-ROK Trilateral Ministerial Meeting in last December had been a very meaningful opportunity to show the three counties' strong unity and agreed to stay in close coordination towards our goal including denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
(2)China
Both sides shared the recognition on the importance of China's constructive role as a responsible member of the international community.
3. Global Issues
Secretary Clinton stated that she also would like to continue to closely coordinate with Japan on global issues such as Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan and Middle East Peace, valuing Japan's contribution to these issues. Especially regarding Afghanistan, she expressed her appreciation, mentioning Japan's support for police salaries.