North America

 
(1) The United States
 
(a) Japan feels it is very important that the advanced democracies of the
West should contribute to the overall benefit of the Westin the form of each
nation providing cooperation within the limits of the ability and conditions
of each nation, while maintaining close contact with each other on issues
related to international affairs so as to ensure world peace and prosperity.
Japan believes that Japan and the United States should become the core of
such cooperation among Western nations. In view of the leading position of
both nations in international society and the serious international situation,
the need to strengthen and promote friendly and cooperative relations
between Japan and the United States, which is the cornerstone of Japan's
foreign policy, has increased.
On the other hand, the United States is facing extremely difficult
domestic problems primarily related to its economy and finance in addition
to the relative decline of its national power and international position.
Nevertheless, the United States is endeavoring to maintain and strengthen
its own national power in order to fulfill its responsibilities and commitment
as a leading nation in the free world under difficult international situation.
At the same time, the United States expects its allies and friends to make
more contributions to the protection and promotion of the interest of the free
world. In particular, the United States expects Japan to do more. Basically,
Japan and the United States are sharing the common view concerning the
importance of Japan-U.S. relations.
(b) The purpose of Prime Minister Suzuki's visit to the United States in
May 1981 was to confirm this importance of Japan-U.S. relations and to
discuss matters related to the strengthening of their cooperative ties (see the
Joint Communique).