Japan’s new defense minister and the United States Forces Japan’s new commander have agreed that the two countries will continue to coordinate closely.
Nakatani Gen and Lieutenant General Stephen Jost met at the Japanese Defense Ministry in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Nakatani said the environment surrounding the Japan-US alliance has become more severe than ever, and the role expected for the alliance bigger than ever.
He expressed hope that Jost, who has served in Japan before, will work to strengthen the relationship of trust with the Japanese Defense Ministry, the Japan Self-Defense Forces and regional communities in Japan.
Jost responded by saying he hopes to further deepen and strengthen the alliance. He also said various reforms are now in place between the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces. He added that he will ensure transparency and share relevant information with Japan.