U.S.-Japan Caucus Co-Chairs Statement on Prime Minister Abe’s Visit to the United States

Feb 10, 2017
Press Release

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Dave Reichert (WA-08), Co-Chairs of the U.S.-Japan Caucus, released the following statement on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe’s visit to the United States:
 
“We welcome Prime Minister Abe to the United States and are pleased to hear that he had a constructive meeting this morning. Our nations’ significant economic cooperation and Japan’s investment in communities across the United States support jobs in so many of our Caucus members’ districts. 
 
“The United States and Japan’s strategic security cooperation must not falter, and we are glad that Defense Secretary Mattis has reaffirmed that America’s Article 5 commitments to Japan are iron-clad. Our nations’ partnership is essential for promoting stability in the Asia-Pacific and confronting regional threats, including an increasingly hostile North Korean regime. 
 
“We are hopeful that today’s meeting is the start of a productive relationship between the leaders of our two countries. The U.S.-Japan Caucus looks forward to continuing our work engaging with our counterparts in the Diet and ensuring members of Congress remain focused on Japan-related issues.”

Congressman Reichert, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Subcommittee on Trade, added, “Japan and the U.S. must continue to strengthen our strong strategic and economic ties, including further discussions on how we can increase trade between our two countries and work together to set the standards for global trade. As a leading export destination for Washington state, this a chance to create new opportunities for Washington’s growers, businesses, and workers. I look forward to working with Rep. Castro and our colleagues in the Caucus to build upon today’s meeting and reinforce our partnership on security and economic issues.” 

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