Blinken meets Japanese PM

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The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi here during which they discussed the "importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region".</p>
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Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived in Tokyo on Monday evening, kicking-off a two-leg Asia, tour that will also take them to South Korea.</p>
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In a series of tweets, Blinken said: "Pleasure to meet with my friend and Japanese counterpart, Motegi today. We're committed to deepening US-Japan coordination on global challenges and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region."</p>
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The Secretary of State further said that he had a "great discussion" with the Secretary of Defense, Motegi and Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi "on the importance of a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific anchored by universal values and uninhibited by coercive power".</p>
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"We're committed to cooperation with Japan including as part of the Quad and trilaterally with South Korea," Blinken added.</p>
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Before the meeting with the Japanese Ministers, Blinken held a virtual discussion with the staff members of the US Embassy in Tokyo.</p>
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"Their tireless work representing the US in Japan and promoting the interests and values of the American people is an invaluable asset to our country," he said in a statement.</p>
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<em>(IANS)</em></p>