(Press Release)
Teleconference between Defense Minister Kishi and U.S. Defense Secretary Esper
October 7, 2020
Ministry of Defense
On October 7, Defense Minister Kishi and Defense Secretary Esper held a telephone conference. The summary is as follows.
At the outset, Minister Kishi offered his greetings as a new Defense Minister and described the determination to continue efforts to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Secretary Esper congratulated Minister Kishi for his appointment.
The Ministers exchanged their views on the latest situation of the Indo-Pacific region, and reconfirmed that both nations will fulfill even bigger role for regional peace and prosperity with a strong Japan-U.S. alliance as a foundation .
Concerning an offshore option as an alternative for Aegis Ashore, Minister Kishi requested that the United States continue to support the Ministry’s review. The Ministers confirmed that the two countries will continue to closely work together to proceed with the study including the technical aspects.
The Ministers agreed that both countries will continue to closely work together to steadily progress the U.S. forces realignment plan including the relocation of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma to Henoko-saki. The Ministers confirmed the importance of maintaining readiness of U.S. Forces in Japan, and agreed that both countries will continue to cooperate with each other, with the recognition that local understanding and cooperation is essential for maintaining the readiness. The Ministers confirmed the importance of securing the safe operations of the U.S. Forces.