Deputy Secretary Sherman’s Call with Japanese Vice Minister Mori

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:

Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke today with Japanese Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Mori Takeo.  Deputy Secretary Sherman welcomed the contributions made towards a free and open Indo-Pacific by the Governments of Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) through their March 6 announcements.  She reaffirmed the United States’ continued support for Japan and the ROK as they take steps to translate this new understanding into enduring progress.  Deputy Secretary Sherman and Vice Minister Mori condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) provocative actions, including today’s deeply concerning ICBM launch, and asserted the importance of expanding trilateral security cooperation with the ROK.  The Deputy Secretary thanked Vice Minister Mori for Japan’s support for Ukraine, especially as it relates to urgent energy sector needs caused by Russia’s continued attacks on infrastructure.  The two underscored their commitment to cooperating through the Quad and affirmed that the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) security partnership would promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.  They also discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and recommitted to cooperation during Japan’s G7 presidency and the U.S. APEC host year.