Khaldon Azhari

TOKYO: Japan is paying close attention to developments in the United States and the impeachment of President Donald Trump, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Friday.

“The United States is an ally to Japan and I believe that the impeachment proceedings will not change the strong relations Japan has with the United States,” Motegi said in reply to a question from Arab News Japan. “I think we are now in a transitional period until the new Biden administration takes office on January 20, so under the current circumstances, I would like to monitor the situation.”

In response to a question about the appointment of Kurt Campbell as the Biden administration’s Indo-Pacific Coordinator, Motegi said, “Looking at the faces announced so far, I think that there are many people who are experienced in their respective fields and are familiar with policy, with some having done solid work in the previous administration.”

“Kurt Campbell has experience as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and the Pacific during the Obama administration. I think the new administration is going to include various people who are close to Japan, including him. We welcome the fact that the new administration has set up a post for the Indo-Pacific region.”

Motegi said he was looking forward to addressing regional problems with the new administration. “I would like to discuss international issues and the situation between Japan and the United States with those dealing with foreign policy as soon as possible after they take office. Japan will continue to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance to bring about a free and open Indo-Pacific.”