Top Japan, U.S. diplomats affirm ties under PM Kishida

The top diplomats of Japan and the United States agreed Thursday in phone talks to strengthen their bilateral alliance and continue making efforts toward a free and open Indo-Pacific region after Fumio Kishida became Japan's new prime minister this week.During the 15-minute call, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, who retained his position in the Kishida Cabinet, vowed to continue to work closely with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken "based on the relationship of trust that has been cultivated so far," according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.Both sides "exchanged views on…READ FULL ARTICLE