April 23-24, 2008 Fukuoka - Joseph R. Donovan, the second highest ranking official in the US Embassy, visited Kyushu to underscore the importance of the Kyushu-Yamaguchi area to the US-Japan relationship. During his visit he met with Fukuoka Governor Aso, Sasebo Mayor Tomonaga, Nagasaki Vice-Governor Fujii, Nagasaki Mayor Taue, and local business leaders. In a roundtable at the Fukuoka American Center, he discussed the US-Japan security alliance and the US economy with a group of local and regional media representatives.

In speeches hosted by the local chapters of the Japan-America Society in both Sasebo and Nagasaki, Mr. Donovan stressed that the U.S.-Japan partnership is one based on shared values, and that bilateral cooperation in numerous areas has served as the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in Asia. The speech in Sasebo was part of a 45th anniversary celebration of the Sasebo Japan-American society, which drew more than 100 city and prefecture officials, members of the chamber of commerce and other local leaders, including many from the U.S. Navy Base in Sasebo and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces.

Mr. Donovan’s visit to Nagasaki coincided with the opening day of the “Tall Ships” festival and he noted Nagasaki’s historical role as a center for commerce and international exchange. In his public appearances, Mr. Donovan also complimented Kyushu for its advances in environmental technologies and assured the audience that despite a slowdown, the fundamentals of the U.S. economy are strong and the government is taking proactive measures to restore momentum. He also stressed that no matter who wins the White House in this year’s US Presidential Election, the close U.S.-Japan bilateral relationship will endure.