Defense Minister Kihara received a courtesy call from Admiral Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations

On 22 November, Defense Minister Kihara received a courtesy call from Admiral Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Franchetti was appointed on 2 November, becoming the first female CNO. This marks her first overseas trip as CNO. In the meeting, Defense Minister Kihara welcomed Admiral Franchetti, and both sides discussed a wide-range of matters such as the regional situation including launch by DPRK on 21, futher strengthening of the Japan-U.S. Alliance capabilities to deter and respond and realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.