NARITA, JAPAN (REUTERS) – The top US diplomat for East Asia said on Thursday (July 11) he was looking forward to talking with Japanese officials about subjects including Iran and North Korea, in his first trip to the region since taking up his post last month.

“I look forward to building on the (US-Japan) alliance as the cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity here in the Asia-Pacific,” said Mr David Stilwell, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

“I look forward to some interaction with senior Japanese officials, understanding where we sit today in the free and open Indo-Pacific strategy, as well as discussing topics like Iran and North Korea,” he told reporters after arriving at Narita International Airport, near Tokyo.

Mr Stilwell’s post had been vacant for more than two years despite major challenges in the region including North Korea’s nuclear programme and the US-China trade war.

He is scheduled to meet senior Japanese diplomatic and defence officials through Sunday to coordinate on global issues and deepen the US-Japan alliance, before travelling on to the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand.

Source: Read Full Article