Japanese leader Abe has in-depth discussions with President Obama at the White House

On February 22, the United States President Barack Obama welcomed the Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan to the White House.

The two leaders had in-depth discussions on a range of strategic issues, including the US-Japan Security Alliance and the growing tensions in Asia, principally the ongoing Japan/China dispute over the sovereignty of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands. "President Obama will welcome any and all constructive steps to engage diplomatically and to manage the maritime situation in a way that prevents the risk of miscalculation," said a White House official ahead of the visit.

In light of the third nuclear test carried out by North Korea on February 12, the two officials pledged to work closely together to seek significant action at the UNSC. President Obama reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to the defense of Japan, notably with the deterrence offered by its nuclear umbrella. From a more diplomatic standpoint, White House adviser Ben Rhodes reminded that then-Prime Minister and now Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso was the first leader to be received by President Obama in the Oval Office in 2009.

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