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Party Vice-President Komura visits the United States and meets with Secretary of Defense Carter

March 29, 2015

LDP Vice-President Masahiko Komura traveled to the United States from March 26 to 29 to deliver a keynote speech to the U.S.-Japan Security Seminar 2015 held jointly by the Japan Institute of International Affairs and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He had an active discussion with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, and other officials on deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance and moving forward on the enhancement of the legal framework for security in Japan.

In his speech, Party Vice-President Komura's emphasized that, as Japan's security environment becomes more challenging, "strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance is in the national interests of both Japan and the United States, and also in the interest of the region and the globe." Current efforts to enhance the legal framework for security would, he said, "put in place laws that enable better utilization of the Self-Defense Force for the peace of Japan and the peace of the world," and this will enable Japan to "more actively contribute to the stabilization of the region."

On March 26, the day prior to the U.S.-Japan Security Seminar, Komura met with Secretary of Defense Carter at the Department of Defense. Both Komura and Carter confirmed the role of the Japan-U.S. alliance and agreed to further deepen the relationship. Carter said, "The enhancement of the legal framework for security is historically important, and we strongly support these efforts by Japan."

Due to scheduling constraints, Party Vice-President Komura spoke with Vice President Biden over the phone from the Department of Defense. On the subject of enhancing the legal framework for security, Vice President Biden said, "We are grateful for the leading role that LDP Vice-President Komura has played. These efforts have strengthened the Japan-U.S. alliance."

Vice President Biden asked when the legislation would pass the Diet, and Komura replied, "During this session if at all possible," emphasizing his strong commitment to enhancement the legal framework.

They also spoke about the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership Agreement (TPP) and agreed to bring greater mutual flexibility to reach a resolution between Japan and the United States as quickly as possible and pave the grounds for a successful conclusion of the TPP negotiations as a whole. Party Vice-President Komura urged "the government of the United States to obtain 'trade promotion authority' (TPA) from Congress as quickly as possible."

While in Washington, Party Vice-President Komura also met with Deputy Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, filling in for Secretary of State Kerry, who was not in the United States at the time. He also met with Congressman Devin Nunes, a young politician who is knowledgeable about Japan and sits as chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

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