DEFENSE MINISTER TOMOMI INADA (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Secretary Carter, welcome over to ministry of defense today. I'm very happy to have another ministerial meeting with you since the first ministerial we had in Washington in September. I had the honor yesterday to attend the courtesy call you had with Prime Minister Abe, and also, I'm aware that you visited Yokosuka yesterday and also took a ride on -- (inaudible).

And I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for actually talking directly to the sailors of our maritime self-defense forces. I think your words will last in their hearts forever.

And also, I would also like to note that you highlighted the importance of U.S. –Japan alliance directly to the sailors, which was very important too. And I also heard from the state minister about yesterday visit, and I'm sure that your remarks and encouragement have left a lasting impression in the minds of sailors. Thank you very much.

Under your strong leadership, I think the U.S.-Japan alliance has been stronger than ever. It is very new and it -- (inaudible) -- become stronger to the future. So I'm very much looking forward to continue working together with you in the future too.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ASH CARTER: Well, thank you Madam Minister and it's great to see you again. I very much appreciated meeting with you in Washington and all the work we've done together since then. I also appreciate the state minister welcoming me yesterday to the -- at your superb vessel, gave me a chance to talk to sailors. It's strong sign of our strong alliance which has never been stronger.

And as you and I discussed with Prime Minister Abe yesterday, there is a great deal that we have accomplished that your leadership, his leadership and President Obama, everyone on our two teams has meant that this alliance which is a cornerstone of security for this region, is stronger than it has ever been.

I was very pleased to be able to discuss with the prime minister and you yesterday our commitment to our joint plan to return the largest parcel of land to Japan in history by December 22. I look forward to discussing today the next steps we're going to be taking to move forward in this extremely important alliance.

Thank you for having me. It's good to see you again.