Kicking off a tour meant to reassure Asian allies over the United States' commitment to the region, Vice President Mike Pence met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Tuesday, praising the firm bilateral alliance as a "model" for other nations in the region.
The "U.S.-Japan alliance is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific," Pence said during a joint news conference with Abe at the Prime Minister's Office.
"Our nations' security and prosperity depend on this vital region, and the U.S. will continue to ensure that all nations, large and small, can thrive and prosper," Pence said.