US Secretary of Defense James Mattis paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and LDP President Shinzo Abe. The Secretary is known for his emphasis on coordination with Japan in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Prime Minister exchanged a firm handshake with Secretary Mattis, who said, "The Japan-US relationship is our highest priority." Prime Minister Abe went on to express his commitment to close cooperation and coordination in building a free and open Indo-Pacific region, saying "The foundation of the alliance has become stronger than ever over the past year."

<June 29 (Friday) Prime Minister's Office>