Deputy Secretary, Senior Japanese Official Discuss Alliance

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 4, 2014 – Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work met at the Pentagon today with Masanori Nishi, Japan’s administrative vice defense minister, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Hillson, a spokeswoman for Work, said.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Hillson said the two defense leaders discussed the status of the revision to the guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense cooperation and endorsed an ambitious and forward-looking update that will enable the alliance to continue its vital role in deterring conflict and advancing peace and prosperity.

“Deputy Secretary Work welcomed Japan's efforts to play a more proactive role in contributing to global and regional security and stability,” Hillson said, “including re-examining the interpretation of its constitution relating to the right of collective self-defense.”

Both leaders underscored the importance of strengthening trilateral defense cooperation with South Korea, she said, and noted recent progress in this area. Work expressed appreciation for Japan's efforts in moving forward on the Futenma Replacement Facility at Camp Schwab-Henoko Bay, and noted the U.S. commitment to explore ways to reduce the impact of the U.S. presence in Okinawa, she added.

“Deputy Secretary Work and Vice Minister Nishi reaffirmed that the U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, and committed to working together to strengthen and broaden the alliance to meet the security challenges of the 21st century,” Hillson said.