2021 / Remark by Prime Minister Suga before a Meeting with the Quad Leaders

Forwarded for the White House

For Immediate Release             
September 24, 2021

White House Office of Vice President
REMARKS BY VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS,
PRIME MINISTER MORRISON OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA,
AND PRIME MINISTER SUGA OF THE STATE OF JAPAN
BEFORE A MEETING WITH THE QUAD LEADERS

Vice President’s Ceremonial Office
Eisenhower Executive Office Building

4:54 P.M. EDT

(Excerpt from the press release)

PRIME MINISTER SUGA:  (As interpreted.)  A few minutes ago, at the White House, President Biden hosted the first-ever in-person Quad Summit.

I extend my deepest respect to the United States for its leadership.

Today’s summit was extremely useful in reaffirming our commitment to our common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific and in adding momentum to our cooperation of the Quad.

The last time we met, Vice President Harris, was at our meeting in April when I visited the United States, and it’s a pleasure to see you again.  Thank you.

I recall our discussion back in April covering extensive grounds, including challenges faced by our two countries.  We also touched upon the friendship between our hometowns, Oakland and Yokohama, that has been nurtured over more than 40 years.  That was a very meaningful meeting for me.

Last month, I had the opportunity to meet your husband, Mr. Emhoff, who attended the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as the head of the U.S. delegation.  Again, I thank the United States for its consistent support for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Again, our appreciations.  Time is limited, but thank you for hosting this session of exchange of views.

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS:  Thank you.