Pelosi Statement on Congressional Delegation Visit to Japan

Tokyo – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the Congressional delegation's visit to Japan:

"The U.S.-Japanese alliance, rooted in shared values, is a cornerstone of security, prosperity and peace in the Indo-Pacific. It is with great respect for Japan's Democracy that our Congressional delegation came to Tokyo to deepen our valued partnership with our close ally and friend.

"In that spirit, our delegation was honored to be hosted by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. In our bilateral discussions, we reaffirmed our nations' shared commitment to advance security and defend democracy. Our delegation thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership in Japan and in the region in condemning Russia's unlawful invasion of Ukraine.

"Our delegation was extended a special privilege by Speaker Hiroyuki Hosoda in the Diet to be included in a beautiful tribute to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Speaker next hosted a substantive bilateral meeting with members of the Diet. We conveyed the importance of President Biden's Asia-Pacific initiative and Japan's leadership role in the region.

"Security was central to our purpose in visiting the region. We received briefings from Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, Commander of the U.S. Navy Seventh Fleet, and Lieutenant General Ricky N. Rupp, Commander, U.S. Forces Japan. Our delegation was grateful for the opportunity to convey our gratitude and pride we have for our men and women serving in Japan.

"Our Members are deeply grateful to America's Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and the Embassy staff for making our visit to Japan a success. As we conclude our Congressional delegation, we return informed and inspired to carry on our work building a free and open Indo-Pacific."