*Administration of Barack Obama, 2012 *

**Statement on the Elections in Japan **

*December 16, 2012 *

I congratulate Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe on his party's success in the elections in Japan today.

The U.S-Japan alliance serves as the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. And I look forward to working closely with the next Government and the people of Japan on a range of important bilateral, regional, and global issues.

I also extend my appreciation to Prime Minister Noda for his many contributions to U.S.-Japan relations.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Japan, elections*.*

*Names:* Abe, Shinzo; Noda, Yoshihiko*.*

*Subjects:* Japan : Defense relationship with U.S.; Japan : Parliamentary elections; Japan : Prime Minister; Japan : Relations with U.S.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD201200952.