TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide and Adm. John Aquilino, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, agreed Tuesday to strengthen their countries’ ties.

“We’ll work together with the United States to beef up our alliance and achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Suga told Aquilino at a meeting in the prime minister’s office.

Aquilino, who is visiting the Asian nation, said that a strong Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of peace and stability in the region.

The two affirmed their strong opposition to China’s unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East China Sea and other areas.

Suga and Aquilino also agreed to work closely over North Korea, which is continuing its nuclear and missile programs.

Aquilino later met with Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi. The two agreed on the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

It was Aquilino’s first overseas visit since assuming his post in late April.

JIJI Press