Readout from the U.S. Pacific Command-Japan Joint Staff Bilateral Conference

12 October 2017

From Maj. Cassandra Gesecki

U.S. Pacific Command spokeswoman Maj. Cassandra Gesecki provided the following readout:

On Wednesday Oct. 11, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Adm. Harry Harris hosted Japan Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii to discuss the current security environment in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and the future of U.S.-Japan defense cooperation.

The Admirals reaffirmed the vital nature of the U.S.-Japan alliance for the security of both countries as well as for the peace and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The Admirals expressed the intention for the United States Pacific Command and the Japan Self-Defense Forces to continue to improve the effectiveness of bilateral operations to deal with common security challenges, while maintaining the strong defense cooperation bond between the two long-term allies.

The Admirals reaffirmed that the United States Pacific Command and Japan Self-Defense Forces will continue to cooperate closely in order to deal with the threat of North Korean ballistic missile and other nuclear capabilities. They also agreed to continue to encourage all nations in the region to play a responsible and constructive role in regional stability and prosperity, to adhere to international laws and norms of behavior, and to peacefully resolve disputes.