US and Japan agree to strengthen Security Alliance

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama have agreed to further strengthen their countries’ security alliance. Abe and Obama held their first summit in Washington on Friday. Premier Abe, currently visiting the United States, told reporters he wanted to declare that trust in the Japan-US alliance and strong bilateral bonds have completely been restored. For his part, Obama said Japan is obviously one of the closest US allies and their alliance is the central foundation for security in the Asia Pacific region. Obama noted that they had close talks on the field of security. He said they confirmed their determination on North Korea’s provocative acts, which both nations are concerned about. Abe said he and Obama agreed that North Korea’s recent missile launch and nuclear test are unacceptable. He added that they also agreed the two countries will work together for a new UN Security Council resolution and tougher sanctions against that country. In reference to China’s actions relating to the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, Abe said the strategic environment in the Asia Pacific region is getting severer. He said they should protect free waters under the Japan-US alliance and create order in accordance with law, not by force. Abe said the two leaders agreed the bilateral alliance contributes to peace and stability in the region. He added that he told Obama Japan will respond calmly to any contingency in the region, just as it has done before.