Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada and US Defense Secretary James Mattis have affirmed the importance of the alliance between their countries for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. 
The defense chiefs talked for nearly 90 minutes in Tokyo on Saturday. Mattis is the first member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet to visit Japan. 
Inada said she welcomed Mattis' decision to make Japan one of the destinations on his first overseas tour. She said it demonstrates his involvement and interest in the region, Japan's broadcaster (NHK World) reported. 
Referring to tense situation in the region, she said a strong alliance is important not only for Japan, but for the peace and stability of the whole region. 
Inada said she wants to strive together with Mattis to further strengthen the alliance. 
Mattis said the US alliance with Japan is the cornerstone of peace, prosperity and freedom in the Asia-Pacific. He pledged to work closely with Tokyo. 
Inada and Mattis are believed to have exchanged views on how to respond to North Korea's repeated nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches, as well as China's increased activities in the East and South China seas. 
They are also thought to have discussed a plan to move the US Marine Corps Futenma air station to a new site within the southern Japanese prefecture of Okinawa.

Source: QNA