March 22, 2019
WASHINGTON--Joint Staff Spokesperson Col. Patrick S. Ryder provided the following readout:
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. met with Chief of Staff, Joint Staff, Japan Self-Defense Forces, Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano yesterday in Washington D.C.
At an Armed Forces full honor arrival ceremony on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in honor of Japan's longest serving chief of defense, Gen. Dunford thanked Adm. Kawano for his more than 40 years of distinguished service and leadership which has contributed immeasurably to strengthening United States-Japan security relations. His involvement in military discussions and exercises has had a positive impact on the United States-Japan alliance and led to significant improvements in bilateral capabilities in the defense of Japan.
During Adm. Kawano's visit, the two leaders discussed the current security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, maintaining close coordination on exercises, and opportunities to enhance interoperability.
In addition, Gen. Dunford presented Adm. Kawano with the Legion of Merit for his vision, leadership and personal initiative, which have helped to ensure continued peace and stability in the Far East region.
The alliance between the United States and Japan remains the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Watch the arrival ceremony:
Watch Gen. Dunford's remarks to the media:
Check out more photos from the visit.
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