February 24, 1996
Web posted at: 1 a.m. EST
SANTA MONICA, California (CNN) -- President Bill Clinton and Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto agreed during a one-hour meeting Friday to give top priority to the issue of U.S. military bases in Okinawa, a subject that recently has strained relations between two countries, Japanese officials said.
"Prime Minister Hashimoto and President Clinton agreed to give top priority to deal with the Okinawa issue to strengthen bilateral ties based on the U.S.-Japan security treaty," Reuters quoted the officials as saying.
The officials took part in the meeting between Clinton and Hashimoto in the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Monica on Friday.
More than 75 percent of U.S. military facilities in Japan are concentrated on southern Okinawa It became a political issue last year after the alleged rape of an Okinawan schoolgirl by three U.S. servicemen.
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Clinton is scheduled to make a state visit to Japan April 16-18, during which the two countries are expected to reaffirm their commitment to the 1960 U.S.-Japan Security Treaty.
Appearing publicly with Hashimoto before the meeting, Clinton addressed Republican presidential candidate Pat Buchanan's isolationist trade stance, saying America should shoot for "freer" and "fairer" trade.
"Our relationship should be one of respect and friendship, even when we have different opinions and different interests," Clinton said.
"I would hope that the Japanese prime minister would never be afraid of any American president," Clinton said.
Clinton told Hashimoto it was important for America to have a strong partnership with Japan in security and economic matters.
"We should all remember that this trade is a two-way street," the president said. "When we raise barriers to others, they can also raise barriers to us. The goal should be freer trade and fairer trade."
Hashimoto, when asked about Buchanan's statement, said, "I'm confident the American people will make good decisions."
The two leaders will meet for more lengthy discussions in mid-April when Clinton visits Tokyo.
The new prime minister's eagerness to meet Clinton, even for just an hour after an 11,000-mile flight from Tokyo, was seen at home as a mark of a strong leader who intends to assert himself with the United States.
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AP and Reuters contributed to this report.
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