Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga held telephone talks with U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday, during which Biden commended the successful hosting of the Olympics and hailed the achievements of U.S. and Japanese athletes.
Suga expressed his gratitude to the U.S. government for its support and said, "Japan was able to fulfill its responsibility as the host nation and host the Games successfully."
Regarding the Tokyo Paralympics, which are scheduled to start on Aug. 24, the prime minister said, "We'd like to make utmost efforts to ensure they are held safely and securely," calling on the United States for its support.
According to a statement on the U.S, side, Biden "affirmed his continuing support."
The telephone talks, which lasted 15 minutes, were held at the request of the U.S. government and first Lady Jill Biden also participated.
Mentioning the hospitality she received from Suga and his wife when she visited Japan for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, she said they nurtured a friendship that would last for a lifetime.
Suga and Biden also reaffirmed their close cooperation to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and realize a "free and open Indo-Pacific" vision.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
