Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting
Prime Minister Kan held a Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Obama for approximately 60 minutes beginning at 10:30 A.M. on November 13. The outline of the meeting follows. (Also present at the meeting were Minister for Foreign Affairs Maehara, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ohata, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuyama, Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America Fujisaki etc. from the Japanese side; Ambassador of the United States to Japan Roos, U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Kirk, National Security Advisor to the President Donilon, etc. from the U.S. side).
After the meeting, both sides issued "Fact Sheet on New U.S.-Japan Initiatives" and "Fact Sheet on U.S.-Japan Cooperation on Reducing Nuclear Risks" while the Japanese side also issued "Fact Sheet: Strengthening the Exchange between Japan and the U.S. for Further Deepening the Japan-U.S. Alliance."
1. Japan-U.S. Relations
(1)Beginning
Prime Minister Kan stated that he was delighted to see leaders from both sides of the Pacific gathering for APEC summit meetings. In response, President Obama extended his wish for the success of Yokohama APEC.
(2)The Deepening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance
Prime Minister Kan expressed his appreciation for the strong and consistent support by the U.S. to Japan in some recent problems that Japan faced vis-a-vis China and Russia. President Obama stated that he appreciated Prime Minister Kan's will to strengthen and deepen the Japan-U.S. bilateral relations.
Further, President Obama stated that he would like to deepen and develop the Japan-U.S. Alliance with three pillars at its center: security, economy and cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and invited Prime Minister Kan to the U.S. in the first half of next year, with a view to presenting a shared vision of the Japan-U.S. Alliance for the 21st century in such a form as a joint statement. In response, Prime Minister Kan agreed to start such preparations, replying that he was delighted by the invitation.
(3)Japan-U.S. Security
Prime Minister Kan stated that many people and regions have increased their awareness of the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance and the presence of the U.S. Forces due to the recent international situations and that he was really pleased by an agreement in principle on the outline of Host Nation Support (HNS). President Obama stated that it is necessary to deepen the alliance in a way to adapt the new era and get support from the people of both countries and that an agreement in principle on the outline of HNS was significantly important.
In regard with the issue of the relocation of the Futenma Air Station, Prime Minister Kan expressed his intention to proceed based on the Japan-U.S. agreement in May and to make his utmost efforts while continuing to seek for Okinawa's understanding. In response, President Obama stated that he appreciates Prime Minister Kan's determination and efforts.
(4)Economy
Prime Minister Kan explained that his cabinet had recently adopted "Basic Policy on Comprehensive Economic Partnership", aiming to proceed with high-level economic partnership and at the same time promote fundamental reforms including agricultural and regulatory reforms with its determination to "open up the country." President Obama welcomed Prime Minister Kan's policy.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Kan stated that he would like to have consultations, including information gathering, with the participating countries on the issue of liberalization of trade and investment between Japan and US as well as in the Asia Pacific region, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement. President Obama responded that he would instruct departments responsible on such consultation.
Prime Minister Kan also stated that he welcomed the Open Skies Agreement and that he hoped to cooperate on such issues as clean energy, innovation, high speed railway including super conducting maglev and stable supply of rare earth.
2. Asia-Pacific Region
(1) General
Prime Minister Kan explained Japan's foreign policy vis-?-vis Asia, referring to Japan's conclusion of CEPA negotiations with India, the fact that Vietnam decided to choose Japan as a cooperation partner for nuclear power plant construction and rare earth development, and its efforts to strengthen the relations with the ROK and ASEAN.
(2) China
President Obama stated that he welcomed China's economic rise, and both sides shared the recognition on the importance of China's appropriate role and behavior as a member of the international community.
(3) North Korea
Both sides agreed on continuing the close Japan-U.S. bilateral coordination as well as coordination among Japan, the U.S., and the ROK, while remaining watchful on North Korea's behaviors.
3. Global Issues
(1) Reform of the U.N. Security Council
President Obama stated that he looked forward to a reformed Security Council that includes Japan as a permanent member and that Japan stood as a model permanent member. Prime Minister Kan expressed his gratitude for the U.S. support for Japan on this issue.
(2) Afghanistan and Pakistan
Prime Minister Kan stated that he has been informed of the request for medical training for Afghan National Army, and that he was considering it positively. With regard to Pakistan, he stated that he had conveyed further support for Pakistan in a telephone conversation with President Zardari the other day. President Obama stated that he appreciates Japan's contribution to support Afghanistan and Pakistan.
(3) Nuclear Security and Nuclear Disarmament
President Obama said he expected Japan-U.S. cooperation in the field of nuclear security while Prime Minister Kan welcomed Ambassador Roos's recent visit to Hiroshima and Nagasaki, saying that he sensed the Obama administration's strong will to deal with the field of nuclear security and nuclear disarmament, and stated that he would like to continue to cooperate on this issue.