U.S. SENATORS AND JAPANESE LAWMAKERS PARTICIPATE IN INTERPARLIAMENTARY EXCHANGE PROGRAM A delegation of U.S. Senators led by Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye began day-long, private discussions with their counterparts from both houses of Japan’s national legislature on a wide-range of issues,
PoliticalNews.me - Apr 26,2012 - U.S. SENATORS AND JAPANESE LAWMAKERS PARTICIPATE IN INTERPARLIAMENTARY EXCHANGE PROGRAM
WASHINGTON — A delegation of U.S. Senators led by Hawaii’s Daniel K. Inouye began day-long, private discussions with their counterparts from both houses of Japan’s national legislature on a wide-range of issues, including the U.S. military’s focus on the Asia-Pacific, the situation on the Korean peninsula, and U.S.-Japan security arrangements and economic relations.
The talks on Capitol Hill, the second under the U.S.-Japan Interparliamentary Exchange established by Senator Inouye, are meant to strengthen the U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship, and help forge stronger personal relationships among lawmakers from both countries.
“Every political and government leader of the U.S. and Japan since the end of World War II and the occupation have looked upon the U.S.-Japan relationship as essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Mike Mansfield, the legendary Majority Leader of the Senate and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan once said ‘the U.S. –Japan relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world.’ As our nation faces the challenges of the 21st century, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, it is important that the United States and Japan continue to work together as problem-solving partners,” Senator Inouye said. “We can only benefit and grow closer as nations by sharing ideas, analyzing challenges, and discussing possible solutions. I will continue to do all I can in the Congress of the United States to maintain and expand relations between the U.S. and Japan.”
Other topics to be discussed include the world economy, energy, China, and the political situation in the United States and Japan.
Leading the Japanese delegation are Mr. Yoshito Sengoku, MP, and Mr. Yoshihiro Kawakami, MP, both from the House of Representatives, and Mr. Toru Kikawada, MP, of the House of Councillors.
The interparliamentary program kicked off yesterday evening with a welcoming reception hosted by the U.S. Japan Council at the Sackler Gallery in the Smithsonian.
The late Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska and Senator Inouye earlier established a similar program between the U.S. Senate and China’s National People’s Congress, which had their first formal exchange in 2004.
