US, Japan sign agreement on prolongation of expenses of US military bases

F.P Report

TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on Wednesday revealed that Japan and the US officially signed an agreement on prolongation of expenses for maintenance of US military bases for one year.

While pouring out more details, Japanese Foreign Minister commented that “I have signed an accord with the US Charges d’Affaires ad interim Joseph Young, based on previously achieved agreements.”

Motehi also underscored that the governments of the two nations will carry on close cooperation, aimed at strengthening of the American-Japanese alliance.

It should be noted that, last week the governments of Japan and the US agreed to extend the expenses terms until March 31, 2022.

According to Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, the Japanese expenses in fiscal year 2021 will be about $1.9 billion.

As far as the maintenance is concerned, the Japanese expenses for maintenance of US military bases in fiscal year 2020 (ends on March 31, 2021) amount to over $1.8 billion, whereas Japan pays for utility services to these objects and salary for local personnel employed at the base.