The United States and Japan launched an economic dialogue on Tuesday, US Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso announced at a joint press conference after their meeting in Tokyo.
Though tensions on the Korean Peninsula have grabbed headlines for Pence's visit to the Asia-Pacific, the 10-day tour also aims at stressing the US's intention to boost trade with the region, even though US President Donald Trump has abandoned the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact.
US Vice President Mike Pence (R) is welcomed by Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso at the beginning of their talks at Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo, Japan on April 18, 2017. /VCG Photo
"This is a new day and a new chapter in relations between the United States and Japan," Pence said, adding that the US-Japan economic dialogue is an opportunity to deepen bilateral economic ties and create jobs, prosperity, and growth in the two countries.
The dialogue will focus on breaking down trade barriers, coordinating monetary policies, and promoting cooperation between sectors and industries, the US vice president indicated.
"I believe we will usher in a new era of prosperity," he told the press.
The former Indiana governor said economic talks could eventually lead to a free trade agreement between the US and Japan.
Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro speaks at a joint press with US Vice President Mike Pence.
Aso said he felt "very proud" about the launch of the economic dialogue, which has opened "a new page" for Japan's relations with the US.
The two countries will build a high-level trade and investment standard for the Asia-Pacific region, he stated.
"Security and economy are two wheels supporting the Japan-US alliance," Aso stressed.
'US-Japan alliance is cornerstone of regional peace'
Ahead of the meeting, Aso and Pence had a working lunch with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, assuring him that the US is committed to strengthening its alliance with Japan amid volatile situations on the Korean Peninsula.
US Vice President Mike Pence (L) and Japan's Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso attend a meeting at Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's official residence in Tokyo, Japan on April 18, 2017. /VCG Photo
Pence said the US-Japan alliance is "the cornerstone of peace, prosperity and freedom" in the Asia-Pacific. He added that the US will continue to work with Japan, South Korea and China to "bring economic and diplomatic pressure" on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to force it abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
"But all options are on the table," he stressed.
Japan is the second leg of Pence's first Asia-Pacific tour as the US vice president. He will also visit Indonesia and Australia.
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