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>>178709Takaichi: Thank you for your hard work. First, I would like to address the situation in Iran. I clearly conveyed Japan’s position on the need for an early resolution of the situation. We confirmed that Japan and the United States will continue to maintain close communication toward achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, including the safety of navigation
through the Strait of Hormuz and a stable supply of energy.
Regarding the stable supply of energy in particular, with Japan’s crude oil procurement in Asia in mind, we confirmed that Japan and the United States will work together to expand the production of U.S. energy.
I also conveyed to President Trump that Japan wishes to realize a joint project to stockpile crude oil procured from the United States. Since diversifying sources of supply contributes to the stable energy supply for Japan and Asia, we subsequently discussed economic issues such as critical minerals and energy.
Regarding critical minerals, we were able to finalize three documents covering cooperation on specific projects and cooperation on the development of marine mineral resources, including rare earth mud, in the waters around Minamitorishima.
In the energy sector, we announced the second wave of projects under our strategic investment initiative, which includes the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). We believe this is of critical importance given the rapid growth in global energy demand and the current situation, including developments in the Middle East.
We also discussed various issues concerning China and North Korea.
We reaffirmed our commitment to continue close cooperation between Japan and the United States. President Trump offered strategic support for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue.
We also confirmed that we will jointly and vigorously promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).
Furthermore, in the security sector, to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, we agreed to advance a wide range of security cooperation, including the joint development and production of missiles. Amid turbulent international circumstances and growing uncertainty, a strong Japan-U.S. alliance is indispensable for maximizing Japan’s national interests. Through this meeting, we were able to confirm many concrete cooperative measures to further enhance the quality of our alliance across a wide range of fields, including the economy, economic security, and security.
Moving forward, we will continue to work with President Trump to take the Japan-U.S. alliance to even greater heights.
Q. Was there any discussion about whether President Trump would directly engage North Korea on the issue of abductions, or about future efforts in this regard?
Takaichi: While I cannot go into specifics regarding diplomatic exchanges, I did convey to him that I personally have a very strong desire to meet with Mr. Kim Jong-un directly. We discussed that process. They have agreed to cooperate in various ways.
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