On March 21, Defense Minister Nakatani received a courtesy call from General Eric M. Smith, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. Minister Nakatani expressed his respect for the U.S. Marine Corps, particularly the III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF), for their dedication to rigorous daily missions and training, which play a significant role in ensuring peace and stability in the region. The two leaders discussed efforts to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance amid the increasingly severe security environment in the region.
