MODERATOR: (Via interpreter) We will start the Japan-U.S. 2+2 joint press conference.  We will start with initial comments by Foreign Minister Kamikawa, Defense Minister Kihara, Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Defense Austin in this order, followed by Q&A. Minister Kamikawa. FOREIGN MINISTER KAMIKAWA: (Via interpreter) Welcoming Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin here in Tokyo, we held […]

The following is the joint statement released by the Secretary of State of the United States, Secretary of Defense of the United States, Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, and Defense Minister of Japan on the occasion of the U.S.-Japan Ministerial Meeting on Extended Deterrence. Begin text: Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa, Minister of Defense Kihara, […]

Secretary of State Blinken, Secretary of Defense Austin, Minister for Foreign Affairs KAMIKAWA, and Minister of Defense KIHARA (referred to collectively as “the Ministers”) convened the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee (SCC) in Tokyo, Japan, on July 28, 2024. Recognizing the profound level of global threats to our Alliance’s shared vision and common values, the Ministers […]

Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko, And Japanese Defense Minister Kihara Minoru Before the Foreign and Defense Ministerial (2+2) Meeting – United …

FOREIGN MINISTER KAMIKAWA: (Via interpreter) If I may, we will start the U.S.-Japan Ministerial on Extended Deterrence.  It is a great pleasure that based on the leaders’ joint statement in April, we have come to hold this standalone ministerial meeting on extended deterrence, separated from the 2+2 meeting for the first time.  The U.S. extended deterrence […]

The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of Lao PDR and the United States of America as the Co-chairs of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership (MUSP) on the occasion of the 3rd MUSP Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on July 27, 2024, in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Begin Text: We, the Co-chairs of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership […]

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: As head of the Presidential Delegation, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Vietnamese President To Lam today in Hanoi to mark the loss of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. Befitting a partnership at the highest level, Secretary Blinken reaffirmed our commitment for a strong, secure, […]

PRESIDENT LAM:  (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary, on behalf of the (inaudible) party and people of Vietnam for coming, for offering incense, and for the condolences to the family of the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and to the people of Vietnam.  I would kindly ask Mr. Secretary to convey our […]

On behalf of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Peru on the occasion of 203 years since your Independence Day. This milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of the Peruvian people. As we celebrate this historic day, we reflect on the strong and […]

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Lao PDR Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith today during the ASEAN-related ministerial meetings in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Secretary Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to ASEAN centrality and our shared vision of an Indo-Pacific that is free, open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient. Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude to Foreign […]