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Japan, US sign agreement to prolong military base expenses for one year

The Japanese foreign minister underscored that the governments of the two nations will continue close cooperation

TOKYO, February 24. /TASS/. Japan and the US officially signed an agreement on prolongation of expenses for maintenance of US military bases for one year, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told journalists Wednesday.

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"I have signed an accord with the US Charges d’Affaires ad interim Joseph Young, based on previously achieved agreements," Motegi said.

He underscored that the governments of the two nations will continue close cooperation, aimed at strengthening of the American-Japanese alliance.

Last week, the governments of Japan and the US agreed to prolong the expenses terms until March 31, 2022. According to Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi, the Japanese expenses in fiscal year 2021 will be about $1.9 billion.

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