Photo courtesy of the Office of Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher
On Thursday, April 11, President Biden welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to Washington for a state visit. During his visit, Prime Minister Kishida addressed a joint session of Congress.
JASH Executive Director Patsy Brown had the honor of joining Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) for the joint address.
Prime Minister Kishida spoke “as a long and close friend of the United States” highlighting the critical value of the U.S.-Japan alliance.
“I want you to know how seriously Japan takes its role as the United States’ closest ally.
Together we carry a large responsibility. I believe that we are essential to peace…vital to freedom…and fundamental to prosperity.
Bonded by our beliefs, I pledge to you Japan’s firm alliance and enduring friendship.
“Global Partners for the Future.” - We are your global partner today, and we will be your global partner in the years ahead.”
The speech also contained a surprise announcement featuring a beloved member of the Houston Japanese community. Prime Minister Kishida announced a “shared goal” for a Japanese astronaut to be the first non-American to land on the moon on a future Artemis campaign mission, likely in the late 2020s. Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide was recogized as a “living [symbol] of [U.S.-Japan] collaboration in space.”
Jacquelyn Martin - staff, ASSOCIATED PRESS
As Congresswoman Fletcher noted, “the speech was inspiring — a testament to the importance of diplomacy, partnership, and leadership.” Click on the button below to read the complete transcript of Prime Minister Kishida’s speech.
Gratitude goes to Congresswoman Fletcher for giving JASH the opportunity to be a part of Prime Minister Kishida’s state visit.