TOKYO, Oct. 28 -- Prime Minister and His Cabinet issued the following information:
Prime Minister Takaichi delivered the following remarks of encouragement to personnel of the Self-Defense Forces and United States Forces Japan aboard the U.S. aircraft carrier "George Washington."
"This year marks the US Navy's semiquincentennial anniversary. As we celebrate the important milestone, I am truly honored to have this opportunity to deliver remarks with President Trump aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, a symbol of protecting freedom and peace in this region.
First and foremost, I would like to express my deep respect and sincere gratitude to all the men and women in uniform from Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the US Forces Japan for your dedication and commitment to safeguard peace and security of our nation and the region day and night.
Six years ago, at this same place - here in Yokosuka City, the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Trump stood side by side and demonstrated their resolve that Japan and the United States would join hands to ensure peace and security in this region.
Now, as the two Commanders-in-chief of Japan and the United States stand together once again, I have renewed my determination to carry forward that resolve and to make the Indo-Pacific free and open so that it will serve as the foundation of peace and prosperity for the entire region.
Now, we are facing an unprecedented, severe security environment. Peace cannot be preserved by words alone - it can be protected only when there is unwavering resolve and action.
From where we stand, we can see Maritime Self-Defense Force's "Mogami" and "Maya." Vessels of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and USS George Washington have conducted numerous joint exercises. Just as importantly, there are so many Japanese and American personnel working for logistics and maintenance here in Yokosuka. There is also a strong sense of bond with the local community. Those are what have been supporting the activities of US Navy over the years. There is no doubt that such multilayered Japan-US cooperation is what makes it possible for us to ensure the credibility of our two nations' deterrence and response capabilities.
So let me reiterate my unwavering determination here. Japan is committed to fundamentally reinforce its defense capabilities and Japan is ready to contribute even more proactively to peace and stability of the region.
Through these efforts, together with President Trump, I am determined to elevate the Japan-US Alliance, which has already become the greatest alliance in the world, to even greater heights.
Japan and the United States will advance together, with our sails raised high, across a free and open sea. I am very confident that the sea route from Yokosuka will make our bond even stronger and bring our two nations on the path to a shining future."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
