U.S., Japan Hail Better Ties at Farewell Lunch

Secretary of State James A. Baker III told Japanese Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita on Friday that the two economic superpowers “still face a difficult agenda,” but he expressed hope the partnership will grow stronger as Japan assumes a broader world role.

Baker bid Takeshita farewell at the end of the Japanese leader’s two-day visit with an elaborate State Department luncheon featuring champagne toasts, pheasant and ice cream with mangoes. Takeshita met with President Bush on Thursday.

For his part, Takeshita pledged to cooperate with the United States in tackling sensitive economic and security issues.

“Japan is determined to do its utmost to collaborate with the United States, its strongest ally, for the peace and security of the world,” the prime minister said in his toast.

“No problems are unsolvable as long as Japan and the United States join in an effort to solve them,” Takeshita said.

At the lunch, Baker tried to praise Takeshita’s tax policies by turning Bush’s “No new taxes--read my lips” slogan into Japanese. Baker’s attempt drew appreciative chuckles from the Japanese and Americans in the dining room.

“Our economies are still the largest in the Free World and we still face a difficult agenda,” Baker said. “We can work it out. . . . Together we will forge a new and even stronger partnership.”

“It is indeed reassuring to know that his capable leadership will guide Japan in assuming a larger role in world affairs,” Baker added.

Takeshita was leaving Friday night for the West Coast and a meeting there next week with former President Ronald Reagan.

Earlier Friday, he paid a get-acquainted call on key leaders in the Senate, where criticism has emerged over an $8-billion joint U.S.-Japanese project to build fighter jets using American F-16 technology.

Takeshita met behind closed doors with Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell (D-Maine), Minority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) and other senators involved in trade and foreign affairs issues.