From October 20-21, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas was in Tokyo, Japan to meet with Government of Japan counterparts to discuss DHS support for U.S. strategic objectives in Japan, including cybersecurity collaboration, travel facilitation, and maritime security cooperation.
Secretary Mayorkas met with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel where they discussed opportunities for DHS to further U.S. strategic equities in Japan and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
While at the U.S. Embassy, the Secretary met with DHS colleagues stationed in Tokyo from the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. Together, they are advancing our mission with excellence and selfless service to our nation.
Secretary Mayorkas also met with Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi where they discussed cybersecurity issues and potential cooperation to counter forced labor.
Lastly, the Secretary met with Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Saito Tetsuo to discuss progress on the execution of USCG and Japan Coast Guard’s (JCG) Operation SAPPHIRE, also known as the Solid Alliance for Peace and Prosperity with Humanity and Integrity on the Rule of Law based Engagement. The operation, launched in May 2022, encompasses all annual interactions between USCG and JCG, to include sharing standard operating procedures for combined operations, training and capacity building, and information sharing. Secretary Mayorkas and Minister Saito also discussed ways to confront cybersecurity threats and malign foreign activity in the Indo-Pacific maritime space.
