Saturday, February 08, 2014

Hagel, Foreign Minister Discuss U.S.-Japan Alliance



American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met at the Pentagon yesterday to discuss ways to deepen and enhance bilateral cooperation, Pentagon Press Secretary Navy Rear Adm. John Kirby said.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Kirby said Hagel expressed appreciation for the Japanese government's efforts in moving forward on the replacement facility for Marine Corps Air Station Futenma at Camp Schwab-Henoko Bay on the island of Okinawa.

“The two nations are committed to working together to reduce the impact of training on Okinawans,” he added.

Hagel also endorsed a forward-looking revision of the 1997 Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation to enable Japan to play a more active role in promoting regional peace and stability, the press secretary said.

“Secretary Hagel said the United States would continue to cooperate closely with Japan on strengthening and broadening the alliance to meet the security challenges of the 21st century,” Kirby said.

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