Japan PM Kishida’s Speech to U.S. Congress Receives Praise from Leaders of Democratic, Republican Parties

By Takayuki Fuchigami / Yomiuri Shimbun Correspondent

18:30 JST, April 12, 2024

WASHINGTON — Kishida’s speech received praise from leaders of both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement that it was a privilege to hear Kishida’s vision for stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He said, “The United States and Japan have spent decades working to establish and maintain peace, and we will not let tyrants disrupt the prosperity and security we all enjoy.”

At a luncheon after Kishida’s address, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, who also serves as Senate president, said that Kishida made it clear that “Japan will continue to be strong as a partner and a dear, close friend of the United States.”

Before his speech, Kishida held a private meeting with Johnson, as well as with leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties in both houses.

Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate Majority Leader, emphasized on X, formerly Twitter, “Our countries will continue working together to increase our mutual prosperity and to face down autocracy around the world.”