WASHINGTON (Kyodo) U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday partnership with Japan is the cornerstone of U.S. security and economic prosperity and California-based lawyer John Roos, his choice as the next U.S. ambassador to Japan, will help bolster the regional and global relationships between the nations.
Obama made the remarks in a White House meeting with Roos, 54, one of his major fundraisers during the presidential campaign. Roos' nomination is expected to soon win full Senate approval. If approved, Roos will serve as point man for U.S. policy on Japan.
"I think many of you are aware that a partnership between the United States and Japan is one of tremendous interest," Obama said at the outset of the talks. "It's one of the cornerstones of (both) our security and economic well-being."