On January 23, Defense Minister Kihara received a courtesy call from Mr. Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secreatry of State.
At the outset of the meeting, DM Kihara conveyed his gratitude for warm messages and support from the U.S. in the wake of 2024 Noto Penninsula Earthquake, and Mr. Pompeo expressed his condolences and sympathy towards those affected by the earthquake. Moreover, they had a wide range of discussion on security situation of Japan and the U.S., and reconfirmed the importance of Japan-U.S. alliance for peace and stability of the region.
