    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [June 29, 2006]
    [Pages 1239-1240]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Junichiro
    Koizumi of Japan: The Japan-U.S. Alliance
    of the New Century
    June 29, 2006

        President George W. Bush of the United States of America hosted
    Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi of Japan for an Official Visit to the
    White House on June 29, 2006, that celebrated their close personal
    friendship and the deep and increasing ties between the American and
    Japanese people.
        The two leaders agreed that the U.S.-Japan partnership stands as one
    of the most accomplished bilateral relationships in history. They
    reviewed with great satisfaction the broadened and enhanced cooperation
    achieved in the alliance under their joint stewardship, and together
    heralded a new U.S.-Japan Alliance of Global Cooperation for the 21st
    Century.

    The U.S.-Japan Alliance Based on Universal Values and Common Interests

        The United States and Japan stand together not only against mutual
    threats but also for the advancement of core universal values such as
    freedom, human dignity and human rights, democracy, market economy, and
    rule of law. These values are deeply rooted in the long historic
    traditions of both countries.
        The United States and Japan share interests in: winning the war on
    terrorism; maintaining regional stability and prosperity; promoting free
    market ideals and institutions; upholding human rights; securing freedom
    of navigation and commerce, including sea lanes; and enhancing global
    energy security. It is these common values and common interests that
    form the basis for U.S.-Japan regional and global cooperation.

    Bilateral Political, Security and Economic Cooperation

        The President and Prime Minister welcomed the tremendous progress in
    the U.S.-Japan security relationship achieved during their tenures.
    Bilateral security cooperation has deepened as a result of ballistic
    missile defense cooperation and legislation in Japan to deal with
    contingencies.
        The two leaders welcomed the establishment of common strategic
    objectives of February 2005 as well as the conclusion of watershed
    agreements to transform the alliance for the future. These agreements,
    including the most significant realignment of U.S. and Japanese forces
    in decades, constitute historic steps forward that make the U.S.
    military presence more enduring and effective, and ensure the
    capabilities necessary for the alliance to cope with diverse challenges
    in the evolving security environments. The two leaders agreed that full
    and prompt implementation of these agreements is necessary, not only for
    Japan and the United States, but also for peace and stability of the
    Asia-Pacific region.
        Asia's historic transformation is underway, creating a region that
    increasingly embraces the universal values of democracy, freedom, human
    rights, market economy, and rule of law. The two leaders pledged to work
    together to shape and support this transformation. In this regard, the
    two nations will continue to work on common challenges in the region
    such as (a) promoting individual freedoms; (b) increasing transparency
    and confidence in the political, economic, and military fields; and (c)
    protecting human dignity, and resolving humanitarian and human rights
    problems including the abduction issue.
        The two leaders affirmed that robust U.S.-Japan cooperation embraces
    the dynamism of China, and helps to maintain peace and tranquility in
    Northeast Asia. They reaffirmed the importance of advancing strategic
    dialogues with friends and allies in the region such as Australia. They
    called on North Korea to fulfill

    [[Page 1240]]

    denuclearization pledges made in the September 2005 Joint Statement of
    the Six Party Talks and to continue to adhere to its missile test
    moratorium. They discussed the need for the few isolated regimes in the
    region to respect human rights and democratic principles including an
    inclusive political dialogue.
        The two leaders reaffirmed their common efforts on a wide range of
    global activities including recent successes in the war on terrorism,
    support for the new government in Iraq, and cooperation on counter-
    proliferation activities, including on Iran. The President praised
    Japan's humanitarian and reconstruction assistance in Afghanistan and
    Iraq as well as Japan's support provided to coalition forces operating
    in the Indian Ocean.
        Mindful of Japan's significant role and contributions at the U.N.,
    Japan and the United States will intensify their cooperation, and work
    together in realizing Japan's permanent membership at the Security
    Council.
        They pledged to continue close cooperation under the Strategic
    Development Alliance and to work together on other global challenges
    such as capacity-building for natural disaster response and prevention
    and response to avian/pandemic influenza. They also agreed to work on
    the interrelated challenges of energy security, clean development,
    reducing pollution, and climate change.
        Building upon the progress achieved over the last five years under
    the U.S.-Japan Economic Partnership for Growth, the two leaders agreed
    to explore ways to further deepen the mutually-beneficial bilateral
    economic relationship as well as to enhance cooperation on regional and
    global economic issues.
        Such an expanded partnership would include: promoting growth and
    economic reform; promoting and maintaining open markets; ensuring
    efficient movement of legitimate goods, services, people, and
    investments, while tackling threats from terrorism; strengthening
    intellectual property rights protection and enforcement; enhancing
    global energy security; and fostering transparent and favorable business
    climates in both countries.
        The two leaders also affirmed their commitment to make a strong
    contribution to ensure a successful and ambitious outcome for the WTO
    Doha Development Agenda negotiations by the end of 2006 that opens
    markets and achieves a balanced outcome across the board. They expressed
    their determination to work together to strengthen the Asia-Pacific
    Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, recognizing its crucial role in
    promoting stability, security, and prosperity in the region.
        The two leaders shared the view that the U.S.-Japan global alliance
    remains a constant and positive force. They shared the expectation that
    the U.S.-Japan friendship and global cooperation shall continue to grow
    stronger.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.