Shanahan discusses Japan's National Defense Program with its Defense Min.

WASHINGTON, Jan 17 (KUNA) -- Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan met with Japanese Minister of Defense Takeshi Iwaya on Wednesday to acknowledge "the key role Japan's new National Defense Program Guidelines and Mid-Term Defense Program will play in strengthening the alliance." The leaders also discussed "regional security issues and furthered discussions on U.S.-Japan defense cooperation topics, such as space, cyber, operational cooperation and information security," said a statement from the Pentagon.
Shanahan noted that "he looks forward to working closely with Minister Iwaya to strengthen the U.S.-Japan Alliance and to ensure peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world," the statement added. (end) ak.gta