Takebe Secretary-General said in greeting, "The ties between Prime Minister Koizumi and President Bush are unshakeably strong. We would like to cooperate on many issues in the future." Deputy Secretary of State Armitage said, "We would like to express our gratitude for the Self Defense Force's work in Iraq. We believe that Japan has become a leader among countries through its humanitarian relief work. Also, the United States offers Japan its full support in applying for entry to the UN Security Council." |