Foreign Minister Motegi Visits San Francisco Bay Area

From Monday, January 13 to Tuesday, January 14, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, visited the San Francisco Bay Area. The overview of the visit was as follows:

1. On Monday, January 13, Minister Motegi visited the Japanese Cemetery in Colma and offered a wreath of flowers.

2. That afternoon, Minister Motegi met with The Honorable George P. Shultz, former Secretary of State of the United States, at a hotel in San Francisco. Minister Motegi delivered a message from H.E. Mr. ABE Shinzo, Prime Minister of Japan, to Secretary Shultz and congratulated Secretary Shultz on his 99th birthday last December.

3. Next, Minister Motegi met with local Japanese American leaders and expressed his gratitude toward the Japanese American community for serving as a vital bridge between Japan and the United States. He also shared his deep regard for the Japanese American community which overcame great hardship during World War II and now occupies an important position in society as exemplary citizens of the U.S.

4. On Tuesday, January 14, Minister Motegi held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with the Honorable Mike Pompeo, Secretary of State of the United States, and H.E. KANG Kyung-wha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, at a hotel in East Palo Alto. The three ministers exchanged views regarding North Korea and other international issues. Afterward, Minister Motegi held two separate bilateral meetings with Secretary Pompeo and Minister Kang.