LOC18:07
15:07 GMT
TOKYO, Oct 28 (KUNA) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday affirmed their intention to enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-US alliance, while promoting concrete security cooperation between the two countries, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
At the outset of their first meeting since Motegi took office last week, Motegi said he looks forward to working closely with Rubio to "demonstrate to the world the strength of the Japan US alliance, the greatest alliance in the world," the ministry said in a press release.
In response, Rubio expressed his intention to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance, including the area of security and economy, according to the ministry. Rubio is in Japan to accompany US President Donald Trump on his visit from Monday.
The two ministers also agreed to cooperate on issues related to China and their policies toward North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues. Motegi voiced his firm support for US diplomatic efforts around the world, such as in the Middle East, Ukraine, Cambodia and Thailand.
They further confirmed that Japan and the US would further develop networks of like-minded countries, including South Korea, the Philippines, Australia and India to realize a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific."
Motegi and Rubio also exchanged views on economic issues, with Motegi emphasizing the importance of steadily implementing bilateral agreements and advancing cooperation on critical supply chains. (end)
mk.ahm