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Immediate Release

Readout of Secretary Carter's meeting with Japanese Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Ash Carter met with Japanese Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, a major annual forum for key leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, to discuss security challenges and opportunities.

Secretary Carter thanked Minister Nakatani for his continued support of the U.S.-Japan alliance.  The two leaders discussed a wide range of regional and global security issues, including the security situation in the East and South China Seas, as well as the persistent threat from North Korea. 

Secretary Carter reiterated his regret over the murder of a young woman in Okinawa and extended his sincere apologies to the victim's family and friends.  He also expressed his sympathies to the people of Japan.  Secretary Carter confirmed the intent of the Department of Defense to work closely with the Government of Japan on measures aimed at preventing incidents in the future.  As part of this work, Secretary Carter and Minister Nakatani decided to focus on the following areas:

  • reviewing SOFA implementation practices related to U.S. personnel with SOFA status, including the civilian component;
  • strengthening the monitoring of SOFA status of U.S. personnel, including the civilian component; and
  • enhancing education and training for U.S. personnel with SOFA status, including the civilian component.

Secretary Carter and Minister Nakatani confirmed their intent to develop these measures at the earliest possible occasion.

To continue the implementation of the new Guidelines for U.S.-Japan Defense Cooperation, Secretary Carter and Minister Nakatani signed a Reciprocal Defense Procurement Memorandum of Understanding, which will increase defense technological collaboration and cooperation. 

The Secretary thanked Minister Nakatani for Japanese cooperation in efforts to move forward with the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, including the transfer of Marines from Okinawa to Guam.  In addition, they confirmed that the Futenma Replacement Facility at Camp Schwab/Henoko-saki is the only solution that addresses operational, political, financial, and strategic concerns and avoids the continued use of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma.