Japan expressed confidence Tuesday that relations with the United States would remain strong even after the departure of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who has announced he is stepping down.
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi expressed regret over Powell's departure and hailed his efforts to promote better bilateral relations.
"I have profound respect for the efforts Secretary Powell has made to boost friendship between Japan and the U.S.," Koizumi said. "He will continue to be Japan's good friend regardless of the position he is in."
Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura said he respects Powell for managing diplomatic policy under President George W. Bush during a "difficult period" in which the U.S. saw the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the war in Iraq.
Asked whether Powell's resignation would affect the six-way talks on North Korea's nuclear threat, Machimura said he expects Powell's successor to maintain Washington's policy of being committed to the multilateral framework to urge Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear arms development.