President Barack Obama has said US-Japan bilateral relation is cornerstone of America's security and economic well being, even as he pledged to get off to a strong and diplomatic start with the key ally.
"A partnership between the United States and Japan is one of tremendous interest. It's one of the cornerstones of our both security and economic well being," Obama said welcoming US Ambassador-designate to Japan, John Roos, at the White House.
"We have an extraordinarily close relationship based on shared values and shared interests. There is enormous respect between the people of Japan and the people of the United States," he said.
It is for that reason that his administration wants to get off on a strong footing diplomatically through our relationship, Obama said.
"I placed great importance in the selection of who would represent the United States as Ambassador to Japan," he said adding that Roos was the best person to handle the situation.
"He is somebody who I'm confident is going to be able to help to strengthen both the regional and the global relationship between the United States and Japan," he said.
"He's somebody who will be able to advise me directly on issues that may arise and opportunities that may arise in the US-Japanese relationship," Obama said, adding: "He is somebody who is I know going to be working incredibly hard to make sure that he is listening to and understanding the full scope of Japanese concerns."
