Japan, US Congressional Staff Discuss Regional Security and AI Cooperation
Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Horii Iwao met six visiting US congressional staff members to discuss Indo-Pacific affairs, bilateral cooperation in artificial intelligence and the role of legislative exchanges in strengthening the alliance.
Japan has reaffirmed the importance of its alliance with the United States as a foundation for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, with regional affairs and artificial intelligence cooperation among the issues discussed during a meeting with visiting US congressional staff.
Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Horii Iwao, received a delegation of six US congressional staff members on October 21 for a courtesy call lasting approximately 30 minutes from 4.50pm. The delegation was visiting Japan under an invitation programme organised by the Japan Center for International Exchange USA (JCIE USA).
Horii welcomed the delegation and described the Japan-US alliance as the cornerstone of Japan’s foreign policy and security. He also highlighted its wider role in supporting regional stability and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.
He stressed that the strength of the bilateral relationship rests not only on government-to-government cooperation but also on multi-layered people-to-people exchanges. Japan places particular importance on engagement between the legislatures of both countries as part of efforts to sustain and deepen bilateral ties.
The delegation raised questions on regional affairs, cooperation between Japan and the United States in artificial intelligence, and other issues, followed by an exchange of views.
The visiting delegation comprised Will Burns, senior legislative assistant in the office of Representative Jay Obernolte; Molly Martin, legislative director for Representative Brett Guthrie; Alan McQuinn, professional staff member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee; Nicolas Oliver, technology policy fellow in the office of Senator Todd Young; Ariana Orne, communications director for Representative Maxwell Frost; and Kate Schisler, legislative director for Representative Donald Beyer.
The engagement reflects the importance of sustained legislative and professional exchanges in the Japan-US relationship, particularly as both countries navigate regional security challenges and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
