Ambassador Caroline Kennedy welcomed Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga to the U.S. Embassy on June 19. In their meeting, she expressed sincere appreciation to Okinawa for its vital contributions to the U.S.-Japan Alliance, which is the cornerstone of peace and stability in East Asia.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kennedy underscored a point made by U.S. officials during the Governor’s recent meetings in Washington: The governments of the United States and Japan share an unwavering commitment to the construction of the airfield at Camp Schwab. She reiterated that the plan to expand Camp Schwab avoids the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma and is the only solution that addresses operational, political, financial, and strategic concerns.
Ambassador Kennedy reiterated the U.S. commitment to maintaining good relations with local communities on Okinawa. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the friendship of the Okinawan people and her hope and desire to support robust future exchanges in myriad fields between the United States and communities in Okinawa.