Arab News, Tokyo

The US-Japan Security Treaty is a pillar that is “indestructible, safeguarding peace in Asia, the Indo-Pacific, and in the world,” Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a reception to commemorate the sixtieth anniversary of the Japan-US Security Treaty and co-hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Defense.

Speaking to approximately 250 guests including personnel from the Japanese and US government and the Diet members, Abe looked back at the exchange between President Eisenhower and Prime Minister Kishi as they signed the Japan-US Security Treaty, and stated that today more than ever a pillar immovable and an insurance for prosperity.

The PM expressed his deep appreciation to all those people whose efforts have enhanced the alliance, and stated that it is “for us to let the rays of hope of the Japan-US Alliance, which is an alliance of hope, that keeps shining even more.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Motegi Toshimitsu said the current Japan-US relations are “stronger than ever,” due to the trust between Abe and President Trump. He expressed his respect to the predecessors who deepened the alliance and expressed his commitment to further strengthen the alliance as the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In his remarks, Defense Minister Taro Kono stated that the US-Japan Security Treaty not only attributes to the defense of Japan, but also to the forward deployment of US forces, and has become the cornerstone of peace in the region, emphasizing the importance of the alliance under the current
security environment.

Representing the US Government, Charge d’Affairs ad interim Joseph Young introduced Trump’s congratulatory message praising that the “rock-solid” alliance between the two great nations has been essential to peace, security, and prosperity for the United States, Japan, the Indo-Pacific region, and the entire world over the past six decades. Young reiterated the US Government’s policy to further develop the alliance in an evolving security environment.

Lieutenant General Kevin B. Schneider, Commander, US Forces Japan and Fifth Air Force, and Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of President Dwight Eisenhower and Japan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Aso Taro attended the event.

At this reception, the actual documents of the former and current Japan-US Security Treaty and the instruments of ratification, as well as photos of the Signing Ceremony of the former and current Japan-US Security Treaty, Operation Tomodachi were displayed.

Pictures from Abe and Trump’s visit to JS Kaga were also displayed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the treaty.