U.S. Department of State
Remarks by Kurt M. Campbell
Assistant Secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Tokyo, Japan
January 6, 2012

Remarks Upon Arrival at Haneda Airport

ASSISTANT SECRETARY CAMPBELL: Good morning, everyone. First of all, let me just say that it’s wonderful to be back in Tokyo. I’m so pleased, and it’s particularly great to be greeted by my old colleague and friend Kurt Tong, who’s just arrived here in his official capacity.

I’m in Tokyo for regular consultations. We have much to discuss: our regional, our global agenda; issues and developments and Burma; our most recent interactions in international fora such as the ASEAN Regional Forum and the East Asia Summit. We will also be discussing a range of bilateral issues: our critical cooperation on the security side; a variety of issues associated with the Hague Convention; with efforts in terms of moving forward on trade issues such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and a range of other issues of mutual concern.

Obviously we will also be talking extensively about North Korea. I will be debriefing my Japanese interlocutors on our stops in both Beijing and South Korea. Close coordination is paramount at this time. We very much look forward to hearing Japanese views about developments in North Korea. We will also be taking steps in terms of planning for the trilateral engagement between the United States, Japan, and South Korea in order to ensure the closest possible coordination, and more than anything else, we’re just looking forward to reaffirming our strong partnership and friendship with Japan going forward.

I’ll have much more to say as the trip goes forward. I think that’s all for now. Thank you all very much for coming out to the airport.