Japan, US top diplomats agree to work closely to enhance alliance

Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have agreed on the importance of cooperating to enhance deterrence and response capabilities of the bilateral alliance, Report informs via NHK.

The two top diplomats met over lunch at a Tokyo hotel on Tuesday.

At the start of their talks, Iwaya expressed hope for thorough discussions on regional affairs and the state of bilateral relations to elevate the Japan-US alliance to new heights.

Blinken said he believes the relationship is "stronger than it's ever been." He described it as starting with bilateral relations and becoming "genuinely global."

He added, "even though we're in political transition the world doesn't stop," and the two countries "need to continue going together."

Blinken and Iwaya exchanged views on China-related issues and the situation in Ukraine.

They also condemned North Korea's ballistic missile launch on Monday, and reaffirmed the importance of working together and with South Korea in dealing with the North, including on the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals.

On the planned purchase of US Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel, the two diplomats noted the importance of Japanese corporate investment in the US.

They agreed to continue working closely to maintain and enhance Japan-US relations.