Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani met for an hour at the Pentagon yesterday to discuss implementation plans of the newly released guidelines for U.S.-Japan defense cooperation, regional situations, the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and defense equipment and technology cooperation, Defense Department officials said.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, officials noted this was the second meeting between the two defense leaders.

Keeping Up Momentum

“Secretary Carter and Minister Nakatani emphasized the importance of keeping up the momentum from recent milestones to modernize the alliance, such as enhancing cyber and space security cooperation,” the statement said, adding that Carter also thanked Nakatani for Japan's continual support for the Futenma Replacement Facility in Okinawa as part of the realignment of U.S. forces.

The two leaders expressed their commitment to a strong working relationship, the statement said, and noted that they are looking forward to meeting soon at the upcoming Shangri-la Dialogue, an annual security conference held in Singapore.