This week, a bipartisan congressional delegation led by House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman visited Japan. The visit aimed to discuss energy, fisheries, and forestry issues between the two nations. Upon departure, Westerman stated:
“Japan and the United States have a strong partnership and our discussions during our visit have only underscored that. By reinforcing the ties between our nations, we strengthen our collective stand against the People’s Republic of China, deepen our economic relationships and together look at a bright future for U.S-Japan relations.”
During their stay in Japan, members of the delegation met with various Japanese officials including Ambassador George Glass, Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi, State Minister of Economy OGUSHI Masaki, State Minister of Agriculture TAKINAMI Hirofumi, and Commissioner AOYAMA Toyohisa. The discussions focused on energy matters and challenges related to illegal fishing in the Indo-Pacific region as well as forestry issues.
The delegation also made a visit to U.S. Fleet Activities in Yokosuka where they received briefings from the Seventh Fleet of the U.S. Navy.
Joining Chairman Westerman on this trip were U.S. Representatives Sarah Elfreth (D-Md.), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Celeste Maloy (R-Utah), and Nick Begich (R-Alaska).
