(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Last night Japan time, the new Trump administration took office. I saw the press conference and the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony, and my impression is that strengthening the Japan-U.S. Alliance, after all, is the top priority of diplomacy and security in the Ishiba administration. Moreover, as the security environment surrounding Japan and the international community becomes increasingly severe, the importance of the Japan-U.S. Alliance is further growing. I believe it is crucial that we continue to make efforts to further strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, thereby significantly contributing to regional and international peace and stability.