"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] JOINT STATEMENT,Security Consultative Committee ("2+2" Ministerial Meeting)

[Place]
[Date] September 11, 2000
[Source] Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
[Notes]
[Full text]

1. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Secretary of Defense William Cohen, Minister for Foreign Affairs Yohei Kono, and Minister of State for Defense and Director-General of the Defense Agency Kazuo Torashima convened the Security Consultative Committee (SCC) in New York on September 11, 2000. The Ministers discussed the strategic environment in the Asia-Pacific region and issues related to our bilateral security alliance.

2. The Ministers welcomed recent positive developments in the Asia-Pacific region, but at the same time observed that instability and uncertainty persist. Underscoring the assessment made by President Clinton and Prime Minister Mori during their July 2000 Summit, both sides reaffirmed the vital role the U.S.-Japan security alliance plays in preserving the peace and stability of the region. The Ministers agreed that shared values and a common vision underpin our bilateral relationship, enabling the close cooperation that is the hallmark of our long and successful alliance.

3. Both sides welcomed the Summit Meeting between the ROK and the DPRK in June 2000 and expressed their strong hope that this progress will continue and lead to an easing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula. To enhance such prospects, the Ministers reaffirmed the vital importance of trilateral coordination among the U.S., Japan and the Republic of Korea. Both sides also reaffirmed their shared view that it is extremely important for the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region that China play a positive and constructive role in the region.

4. Secretaries Albright and Cohen expressed their appreciation for the new Special Measures Agreement, a key component of Japan's Host Nation Support. Noting that the forward deployment of U.S. forces is vital for pursuing peace and stability in the region, the Ministers also stressed the important contribution of Japan's Host Nation Support to the effective operations of US forces in Japan.

5. The U.S. and Japan marked another milestone in the alliance with progress on implementation of the Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation (the Defense Guidelines). In particular, the four Ministers welcomed progress in bilateral planning and the establishment of a Bilateral Coordination Mechanism, which will ensure better coordination between our countries in contingencies. Noting with concern the continued proliferation of ballistic missiles and related technologies, the U.S. and Japan stressed the importance of continuing to make diplomatic efforts to address that issues. Both sides reaffirmed that they will continue cooperative research on Ballistic missile Defense technologies.

6. Regarding issues related to the stationing of U.S. armed forces in Japan, both sides appreciated the efforts made by all parties concerned in addressing individual issues related to U.S. facilities and areas, and in building "good neighbor" relations between U.S. forces and local communities. They recognized the importance of maintaining and strengthening those efforts in order to ensure the smooth and effective operation of U.S.-Japan security arrangements.

7. Noting the progress achieved thus far, both sides stressed the importance of continued, steady progress in implementing the SACO Final Report, as Prime Minister Mori and President Clinton agreed in July 2000. Japan took up issues regarding the return and relocation of Futenma Air Station, in accordance with the Japanese cabinet decision of December 1999. As stated in the 1996 Joint Security Declaration, the U.S. and Japan also reaffirmed they will continue to consult closely on defense policies and military postures, including the U.S. force structure in Japan, in response to changes in the international security environment.

8. Underscoring the importance of ensuring the health and safety of both local residents and U.S. armed forces personnel and their dependents in Japan, both sides reviewed environmental issues related to U.S. facilities and areas. The U.S. and Japan agreed to issue a joint statement concerning environmental principles and expressed their commitment to strengthen cooperation to protect the environment under these principles.