On Feb. 19, the U.S. secretaries of State and Defense met with their Japanese counterparts in Washington, DC at the Security Consultative Committee (more commonly known as the “2+2 meeting”). The joint statement released after the meeting applauds the cooperation between the two countries, reaffirms the significance of the U.S.-Japan security relationship to the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, and articulates a set of common strategic goals for the alliance. The joint declaration also notes Japan’s efforts to take a more active role in international security affairs.