Rubio, Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi Reaffirm Strategic Alliance in Phone Call
Washington, October 10, 2026 | By Suman Munshi, IBG NEWS
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a telephone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on October 10, reaffirming the importance of the longstanding alliance between the United States and Japan in maintaining peace, security and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
According to the US Department of State’s official readout, both leaders reiterated their commitment to the bilateral partnership, which Washington considers a central pillar of regional stability.
Okinawa Incident: US Offers Cooperation
During the conversation, Secretary Rubio conveyed his condolences over the death of a Japanese national in Okinawa. He also expressed Washington’s readiness to communicate closely and cooperate fully with the Japanese government and local authorities as they investigate the incident.
The statement underscored the importance of coordination between the two countries in addressing the matter.
US Sanctions on the International Criminal Court Discussed
Rubio also raised the issue of US sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC). According to the State Department, he argued that the sanctions were necessary in response to what Washington described as actions by the Court that threaten American sovereignty.
The readout did not provide further details about the discussion or indicate whether the Japanese foreign minister expressed a position on the issue.
Coordination Ahead of G20 Meeting
The two officials also pledged to maintain close coordination ahead of the upcoming G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled to take place in Atlanta, United States.
Their discussion highlights the continued diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tokyo on bilateral relations, regional security and international affairs.
The conversation comes amid the broader importance of US-Japan cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, where the alliance remains a significant element of their respective foreign policy and security strategies.
Source: US Department of State, Readout: Secretary Rubio’s Call with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi, October 10, 2026.
Reported by: Suman Munshi, Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
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