While the election results should be finalized, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

I understand that with a plan to "Build Back Better," their goal to build a more equitable economy that takes into consideration the most vulnerable members of society has garnered the support of a majority of the American people.

I wish for close cooperation between the new administrations in Japan and the United States, including the building of a trusted personal relationship between Japanese Prime Minister Suga and U.S. President-elect Biden. I look forward to further development of the bilateral relations between our two nations.

I also hope that under a Biden Administration, the United States will strengthen international cooperation and play a leading role in bringing the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic to an end — ultimately revitalizing the global economy, and restoring international order.