The White House
Office Of The Press Secretary
For Immediate Release November 12, 2011
Remarks By President Obama
And Prime Minister Noda Of Japan
Before Bilateral Meeting
Hale Koa Hotel
Honolulu, Hawaii
12:18 P.M. HAST
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Well, I just want to welcome Prime Minister Noda to Hawaii, to the United States, for this APEC
meeting. I had the opportunity to have my first extensive discussions with the Prime Minister recently, and I have been
extremely impressed already with the boldness of his vision. And we confirmed, once again, the importance for both of
our countries -- the alliance between the United States and Japan is the cornerstone of our relationship but also for
security in the Asia-Pacific region for a very long time And I’m confident that working together we can continue to
build on that relationship in the areas of commerce, the areas of security, in not only the Asia-Pacific region but
around the world.
And Prime Minister Noda, welcome to Honolulu, where I’m sure that we’ll have another round of productive discussions.
And I want to thank you and the people of Japan for your friendship. We continue also, by the way, to be concerned about
the rebuilding process in the wake of the terrible earthquake and tsunami. And I want to assure you that the American
people continue to stand beside you and ready to help in any way they can.
PRIME MINISTER NODA: (As translated) Well, this is my first visit to Honolulu after 34 years, and this very morning I
went to the Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific and laid a wreath there, and I got to see the panoramic view of Honolulu,
and I renewed my recognition of how beautiful and great this city is. And I would like to express my deep appreciation
for hosting us in -- here in Honolulu as the chair of APEC.
I’m very much encouraged by the fact that America is increasing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and I do
believe that Japan and the United States must work closely together to establish economic goals and also establish
security order in this region. And I hope that in this meeting today I can discuss with you these issues.
PRESIDENT OBAMA: Thank you, everybody.
*******
ENDS