October 6, 2023
Japan Ministry of Defense
From October 3 to 6, Defense Minister Kihara visited the United States as his first overseas trip after appointment as a Minister. The summary is as follows. Note that date and time in below is EST.
1. Meeting with Dr. Hamre, President and CEO, CSIS
On Oct 3, DM Kihara met with Dr. John Hamre, President and CEO of CSIS, and had a wide range of discussion on regional security and bilateral defense cooperation.
2. Roundtable with Distinguished Defense and Security Experts
On Oct 3, DM Kihara held a roundtable meeting with Mr. Christopher B. Johnston, Japan Chair, CSIS, Ms. Yuki Tatsumi, Co-Director of the East Area Program, Stimson Center, Dr. Jeffery W. Hornung, Senior Political Scientist, RAND corporation, Mr. Nicholas Szechenyi, Senior Fellow, CSIS, and Mr. Murano Masashi, Japan Chair Fellow, Hudson Institute, and had a broad discussion on current security situation which surrounds the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
3. Defense Ministerial Meeting
On Oct 4, DM Kihara held a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Austin at U.S. Department of Defense after laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetary. At the meeting, Ministers discussed security environment surrounding the Japan-U.S. Alliance, and confirmed to advance initiatives for strengthening the Alliance capability to deter and response.
4. Meeting with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan
On Oct 5, DM Kihara had a meeting with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. They exchanged views including efforts on further strengthening Japan-U.S. Alliance based on new National Security Strategy of both countries, and current regional security environment surrounding the Alliance.
5. Meeting with Senator Hagerty
On Oct 5, DM Kihara met with Senator Hagerty, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan at the Russel Senate Office Building, and discussed variety of topics including future Japan-U.S. defense cooperation.
