Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received a courtesy call from US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter during his first trip to Japan since taking office. The Prime Minister will visit the United States at the end of this month for a summit and has articulated plans to strengthen the alliance's deterrent force by enhancing the legal framework for security and by reviewing guidelines. He commented, "Both countries must take a leading role in promoting regional and global peace and prosperity."

<April 8 (Wednesday) Prime Minister's Office>