On May 22nd, Ambassador Richard Armitage met with Japan’s Foreign Minister, Kamikawa Yoko. Following up on their previous meeting in April, Mr. Armitage reiterated the importance of the U.S.-Japan Alliance at both regional and global levels. He stated that the current alliance, at its strongest ever, serves as the cornerstone for upholding and bolstering the free and open international order based on the rule of law.

Additionally, the two parties discussed regional issues affecting Japan and reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Japan bilateral partnership in facing the new security environment.