Hagerty Statement on Japan Prime Minister's Announcement that he will not Seek Re-election

Statement

United States Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and former U.S. Ambassador to Japan who is currently traveling on a CODEL to the United Kingdom and Belgium, meeting with senior officials from NATO to strengthen the trans-Atlantic alliance in the wake of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, released the following statement in response to Japan Prime Minster Yoshihide Suga's announcement that he will not seek re-election:

"I wish Prime Minster Suga the very best as he prepares to leave office. He was a trusted ally, partner, and problem solver. When I worked with him as U.S. Ambassador and he was Chief Cabinet Secretary--no challenge was too great. I feel certain he will continue to contribute significantly to the ever-strengthening strategic relationship enjoyed between our two Nations. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to continuing my work with Japan's elected leadership--current and future--as we further strengthen and advance our strategic alliance, which serves as the cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and is critical to combatting growing threats from Communist China, North Korea, and Russia."

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