March 16 (Reuters) – Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi spoke by phone with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump called on allies to form a coalition to reopen the vital waterway.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said earlier on Monday that Japan has not decided to send naval ships to the Middle East for escort. A Japanese Foreign Ministry official said Rubio did not make any demands when he called on Japan to send warships.
The following is an excerpt from a summary of the call provided by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
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*”The foreign ministers of the two countries mainly exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, including developments in the Iran issue.*” Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said that Japan condemns Iran’s actions, including attacks on civilian facilities such as energy-related facilities in Gulf countries and actions that threaten the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. * “He also pointed out that from the perspective of energy security, ensuring freedom of navigation and safety in the Strait of Hormuz is extremely important for the international community, including Japan, and said that Japan will continue to cooperate with the international community, including the United States, and make all necessary diplomatic efforts. * “The two ministers confirmed that they will continue to maintain close communication in dealing with situations involving Iran. “
Japan and the United States will continue to work closely to prepare for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to Washington this week, the statement added.
(Reporting by John Geddie, Tim Kelly and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)