Foreign Pool Report #9 Takaichi briefs her Traveling Press

Below please find some information to tide you over until dinner remarks:

Prime Minister Takaichi left the White House after bilateral meetings concluded and debriefed the Japanese traveling press on the talks. She will return to the White House for the planned dinner:

Topics discussed:

(On Energy Security) "With Japan’s crude oil procurement in Asia in mind, we confirmed that Japan and the United States will work together to expand U.S. energy production."

"I conveyed our desire to establish a joint venture to stockpile crude oil procured from the United States. Diversifying our sources of supply will contribute to the stable energy supply for Japan and Asia."

(On Cooperation on resolving the abduction issue) “I also conveyed that I myself am very eager to meet with Mr. Kim Jong Un directly. We discussed the process for doing so. It appears they are willing to cooperate in various ways.”

(On Critical Minerals) "the two sides finalized three projects, including cooperation on the development of marine mineral resources—such as rare earth mud—in the waters around Minamitorishima."

(On the Security Sector) “The two sides agreed to advance a wide range of security cooperation, including joint development and production of missiles, to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.”

The brief exchange:

Question on the outcomes of the meeting and if Japan was directly asked to dispatch naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz and how she responded, if such a request was made. There was an additional question on whether there were any requests regarding an increase in defense spending in the security sector and whether there had been any progress on the second phase of investment in the US.

Takaichi: Thank you for your hard work. First, I would like to address the situation in Iran. I clearly conveyed Japan’s position on the need for an early resolution of the situation. We confirmed that Japan and the United States will continue to maintain close communication toward achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, including the safety of navigation

through the Strait of Hormuz and a stable supply of energy.

Regarding the stable supply of energy in particular, with Japan’s crude oil procurement in Asia in mind, we confirmed that Japan and the United States will work together to expand the production of U.S. energy.

I also conveyed to President Trump that Japan wishes to realize a joint project to stockpile crude oil procured from the United States. Since diversifying sources of supply contributes to the stable energy supply for Japan and Asia, we subsequently discussed economic issues such as critical minerals and energy.

Regarding critical minerals, we were able to finalize three documents covering cooperation on specific projects and cooperation on the development of marine mineral resources, including rare earth mud, in the waters around Minamitorishima.

In the energy sector, we announced the second wave of projects under our strategic investment initiative, which includes the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). We believe this is of critical importance given the rapid growth in global energy demand and the current situation, including developments in the Middle East.

We also discussed various issues concerning China and North Korea.

We reaffirmed our commitment to continue close cooperation between Japan and the United States. President Trump offered strategic support for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue.

We also confirmed that we will jointly and vigorously promote a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

Furthermore, in the security sector, to strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. Alliance, we agreed to advance a wide range of security cooperation, including the joint development and production of missiles. Amid turbulent international circumstances and growing uncertainty, a strong Japan-U.S. alliance is indispensable for maximizing Japan’s national interests. Through this meeting, we were able to confirm many concrete cooperative measures to further enhance the quality of our alliance across a wide range of fields, including the economy, economic security, and security.

Moving forward, we will continue to work with President Trump to take the Japan-U.S. alliance to even greater heights.

Q. Was there any discussion about whether President Trump would directly engage North Korea on the issue of abductions, or about future efforts in this regard?

Takaichi: While I cannot go into specifics regarding diplomatic exchanges, I did convey to him that I personally have a very strong desire to meet with Mr. Kim Jong-un directly. We discussed that process. They have agreed to cooperate in various ways.

Q. How did the discussion regarding the dispatch of naval vessels go?

Takaichi: While the conversation was of a sensitive nature, the consensus was that ensuring the safety of the Strait of Hormuz is of the utmost importance. However, there are certain actions we can and cannot take within the scope of Japanese law, so I provided a detailed and thorough explanation of this matter.

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