[Title] Video Message by H.E. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan

I extend my heartfelt congratulations

on the 32nd annual Japan-U.S. Security Seminar

co-hosted by the CSIS and the Japan Institute of International Affairs.

For more than 30 years,

this seminar has served as a platform

for earnest discussions on the latest security environment

and the role of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

The world is now facing

a historic period of great transformation. Geopolitical competition is intensifying.

We are also seeing the rise of Global South

and accelerated technological innovation such as AI.

At this turbulent moment, the Japan-U.S. Alliance

remains the cornerstone of peace and prosperity

in the Indo-Pacific.

As I myself confirmed with Secretary Rubio in Tokyo, Japan and the United States will further strengthen

the deterrence and response capabilities of our alliance, and expand cooperation across a wide range of fields, including economic security.

The Government of Japan is currently advancing discussions

on revision of the National Security Strategy and the other relevant documents

in order to further proactively contribute

to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

We will continue to fundamentally reinforce Japan’s defense capabilities as well.

Furthermore, at a time when the strategic environment

is becoming increasingly severe,

Japan takes account of such elements as diplomacy, information, military, economy, and technology.

Also, we are discussing how to upgrade the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”

in line with the changing times.

We intend to contribute to the peace and stability

of the region and beyond across the international community, together with the United States.

In closing, I look forward to hearing constructive inputs from leading experts in Japan-U.S. security cooperation. It is my sincere hope that this forum will further enrich the intellectual foundation of our Alliance.

Thank you for your attention.