菅首相 バイデン大統領就任後初の電話会談 日米同盟強化で一致

Prime Minister Suga agrees to strengthen the Japan-US alliance

Prime Minister Suga met with US President Joe Biden on the phone before dawn on the 28th, and agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance and realize a "free and open Indo-Pacific". did. Prime Minister Suga's visit to the United States will be adjusted as soon as possible based on the infection status of the new coronavirus.

The US White House also announced a telephone conversation between President Biden and Prime Minister Kan, confirming the importance of the Japan-US alliance and "discussing America's unwavering involvement in the defense of Japan, including the Senkaku Islands."

The telephone conversation between Prime Minister Suga and President Biden of the United States took place from 0:45 am for about 30 minutes. The telephone talks between the two leaders were the first since President Biden took office, and at the beginning, Prime Minister Suga congratulated him on his inauguration.

At the meeting, the two leaders agreed to work closely together to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance and realize a "free and open Indo-Pacific."

In addition, while confirming that we will cooperate closely on multilateral issues such as measures against the new coronavirus and climate change issues, Prime Minister Suga will be held online in April from President Biden. In response to being asked to participate in the Climate Change Summit, he responded, "If circumstances permit, I would like to consider participating in the event."

In addition, President Biden announced that the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture are subject to Article 5 of the Japan-US Security Treaty, which stipulates defense obligations by the United States, and at the meeting, protect Japan with military force including nuclear force. We reaffirmed America's determination to provide "extended deterrence."

In addition, we will continue to promote cooperation between Japan and the United States and the four countries, including Australia and India, and work closely with North Korea to achieve denuclearization in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution. In agreement, Prime Minister Suga sought understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abduction issue, while President Biden expressed his support. Prime Minister Suga's visit to the United States will be adjusted as soon as possible based on the infection status of the new coronavirus.

At this telephone conversation, the two leaders will call each other by their first names, "Yoshi" and "Joe."

After the meeting, Prime Minister Suga told reporters, "This was the second meeting following the election of the president, but we were able to communicate more thoroughly than last time. While deepening our personal relationship with President Biden, I would like to work hard to strengthen the Japan-US alliance. It was a very good meeting. "

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Suga explained at the meeting that there was no exchange regarding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. US White House "Unwavering involvement in Japan's defense, including the Senkaku" The White House announced that it had held a telephone meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Suga on the early morning of the 28th of Japan time to discuss the policy issues and global issues facing both countries.

At the meeting, the two leaders confirmed the importance of the Japan-US alliance as a cornerstone of free and open Indo-Pacific peace and prosperity. "The two leaders, including the Senkaku Islands, discussed America's unwavering involvement in Japan's defense under Article 5 of the Japan-US Security Treaty," he said.

President Biden also reaffirmed that the United States will provide "extended deterrence" to protect Japan with military forces, including nuclear forces.

In addition, the two leaders exchanged views on security issues in regions such as China and North Korea and confirmed the need for complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the early resolution of the abduction issue for North Korea.

He also confirmed cooperation regarding the response to the new coronavirus and climate change.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210127/k10012836451000.html