U.S. Ambassador to Japan Thomas Foley stressed the importance of the U.S. Yokota Air Base in a meeting with Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara Wednesday, saying the base is "an essential part of U.S. forces' operations in Japan" and "a major hub of our transportation and supply services in East Asia."

Foley paid a courtesy visit to Ishihara at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku.

During the 30-minute closed-door talks, Ishihara called for the return of the air base in western Tokyo, claiming it is necessary to protect the peace and everyday safety of residents.