I hope this economic reality will continue to provide a basis for US involvement in Asia, on which benefits accrue to all countries. At this juncture, let me add a few words about US-Japan relations by highlighting the fact that Japan is located at the west end of the Pacific Ocean, where the United States has a crucial stake.
For this geographic reason, it is quite natural that Japan has long been the gateway for US engagement in Asia. I hope this will lay the groundwork for the plus-sum nexus of economy and finance between Asia, Japan and the United States. 3. Closing remarks  Now, the clock tells me that I should conclude my speech.