Obama sees U.S.-Japan ties as vital, puts trust in John Roos' ability

Friday 07th August, 07:37 AM JST

WASHINGTON —

U.S. President Barack Obama said Thursday a partnership with Japan is ‘‘one of the cornerstones’’ of the U.S. security and economic prosperity and that California-based lawyer John Roos, his choice as the next U.S. ambassador to Japan, will be able to help bolster the regional and global relationships between the two nations. Obama made the remarks in a White House meeting with Roos, 54, whose nomination is expected to win full Senate approval soon.

‘‘I think many of you are aware that a partnership between the United States and Japan is one of tremendous interest. It’s one of the cornerstones of our both security and economic well being,’’ Obama said at the outset of the talks. ‘‘We have an extraordinarily close relationship based on shared values and shared interests. There is enormous respect between the people of Japan and the people of the United States.’’

Obama said Roos is ‘‘somebody who I’m confident is going to be able to help to strengthen both the regional and the global relationship between the United States and Japan. He’s somebody who will be able to advise me directly on issues that may arise and opportunities that may arise in the U.S.-Japanese relationship. He is somebody who is I know going to be working incredibly hard to make sure that he is listening to and understanding the full scope of Japanese concerns,’’ the president added.

Roos is almost unknown among U.S. and Japanese officials and experts. As he has had no diplomatic and security experience, some doubt has been raised about his qualifications at a time when North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats are a major source of concern.

Another major task for him will be to oversee a pact committing Japan and the United States to following through on the planned transfer of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam by 2014.

Roos graduated from Stanford Law School in 1980. He is currently chief executive officer of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a law firm in Silicon Valley.

Roos was chosen as he enjoys strong personal ties with Obama, similar to those between former President George W Bush and his envoy to Japan, Thomas Schieffer.

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6 Comments

smithinjapan at 09:18 AM JST - 7th August

That this comes very soon after the 'China-US relations are of the utmost importance' shouldn't be a surprise. Probably several calls from Aso crying and asking him to be best friends with Japan, etc. hahaha.
Den Den at 09:31 AM JST - 7th August

Easy job, if Japan doesn't lick up to the US, we just need to stir some trouble in N. Korea and they will come running with money, refueling, bases and free accommodation.
mushroomcloud at 11:29 AM JST - 7th August

It is good to see that the Obama Administration made a face saving gesture towards the Japanese with this comment, after all but stating that the US-China relationship will shape the 21st century.

Man that 21st century comment by Obama must have given severe heartburn to the entire LDP.
lunchmeat at 02:11 PM JST - 7th August

Another major task for him will be to oversee a pact committing Japan and the United States to following through on the planned transfer of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam by 2014.

2014? Can you say "Gitmo?"
OssanAmerica at 02:04 AM JST - 8th August

That this comes very soon after the 'China-US relations are of the >utmost importance' shouldn't be a surprise. Probably several calls from >Aso crying and asking him to be best friends with Japan, etc. hahaha.

Except that Roos was already picked for the job way before Obama gave his speech about US-China relations.