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The US and Japan Sign Framework Agreement on ‘Space Cooperation’

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Amid tension in the South China Sea, the US and Japan have signed a Framework agreement on Space Cooperation, according to the US Statemertment.

” On January 13, 2023, I joined Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, and other dignitaries to sign an agreement more than 10 years in the making.  The Framework Agreement for Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, for Peaceful Purposes, builds on many years of peaceful and fruitful cooperation in space – and represents our shared vision for furthering scientific progress and human space exploration,” State Department quoted the US Secretary of State as saying on the occasion.

U.S.-Japan cooperation and friendship here on Earth have led to significant accomplishments in outer space.  Japan and the United States were two of the initial eight signatories of the Artemis Accords, demonstrating our countries’ foundational commitment to responsible, sustainable, and peaceful outer space exploration for the benefit of all humankind.  Together, we have advanced the frontiers of human endeavor and scientific knowledge through our partnership – from the creation of the International Space Station to the development of the lunar Gateway, a research outpost that will orbit the Moon and be used to prepare for future missions to Mars.

According to the State Department, this Framework Agreement will intensify and strengthen our bilateral cooperation in space.  Our nations plan to collaborate on space science, including lunar science; Earth science; space operations and exploration, including lunar operations and exploration; aeronautical science and technology; space technology; space transportation; safety and mission assurance; and other related opportunities.  Our nations plan to hold a Comprehensive Dialogue on Space in March 2023 to build on this agreement and strengthen cooperation across all sectors of our space cooperation.

The future of space will be built on collaboration.  Through this agreement, we will go farther and learn even more together.

Earlier on January 12, 2023, the Governments of the United States and Japan co-hosted the fifth Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) in a hybrid format on January 12, 2023, in Tokyo, Japan.  The IPBF advances the United States’ vision for a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

As the premier U.S. government-sponsored commercial diplomacy event for the region, the IPBF facilitates business, government, and civil society participants in building connections and partnerships, exchanging best practices, and stimulating innovative thinking on the challenges and opportunities facing the region.  It showcases high-impact government and private sector activities to support job growth and high-standard economic development for greater prosperity and inclusion in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the theme of “inclusive and sustainable growth,” the 2023 IPBF provided the opportunity to discuss shared ambitions for the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), as well as the respective priorities for the United States APEC host year and Japan’s G7 presidency.  The Forum also provided a chance to highlight continued U.S. engagement with partners on economic issues ranging from infrastructure investment to climate change to critical technologies through mechanisms like the Indo-Pacific Quad with our regional partners Australia, India, and Japan.  More than 140 in-person and 1000 virtual business and government leaders from the United States, Japan, economies of the Indo-Pacific region, and countries around the world participated.

” We were pleased to welcome the U.S. and Japanese IPEF negotiators to the Forum to discuss the latest updates and future expectations for the Framework.  IPEF was launched in May 2022 by the United States in partnership with Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.  This framework will offer tangible benefits that fuel economic activity and investment, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and benefit workers and consumers across the region,” the organizers said.

As part of our enduring commitment to the region and broad-based economic growth, the United States is also excited to build on the success of the IPBF during our service as APEC host in 2023.  We aim to take full advantage of our APEC host year to collaborate with like-minded partners to strengthen the international economic system and showcase the importance of engagement with the APEC region in driving American prosperity.  Under the U.S. host year theme of “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,” we look forward to advancing a practical economic policy agenda across a wide range of domains that benefit workers, businesses, and families in the United States and around the region.

New Commercial Initiatives in Indo-Pacific

Participating U.S. and partner country officials, and executives representing businesses operating in the Indo-Pacific region, highlighted a wide range of commercial deals and new initiatives, including:

New U.S. and Partner Efforts to Advance an Open, Connected, Prosperous, Secure, and Resilient Indo-Pacific

Participation

The U.S. government delegation in Tokyo was led by Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez along with other senior State Department officials.  U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong opened the event.  Senior government officials from Japan, Bangladesh, and the Philippines participated on behalf of their agencies.  Distinguished speakers from the private sector and partner organizations participated throughout the day, including executives and officials from:

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency sponsored the Forum in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the American Association of the Indo-Pacific.

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