Whereas the United States and Japan established diplomatic relations on March 31, 1854, with the signing of the Treaty of Peace and Amity; Whereas for more than the past 70 years, the partnership between the United States and Japan has played a vital role in ensuring peace, stability, and economic development in Asia and beyond; Whereas the United States and Japan are deeply committed to the common values of freedom, democracy, rule of law, and free market economies; Whereas the current United States-Japan alliance, forged over six decades ago with the signing of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, is the cornerstone for stability and prosperity of Japan and for the Indo-Pacific region, and plays a key role in global peace and stability; Whereas the United States and Japan are indispensable partners in combating the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, improving global health, countering human trafficking and promoting human rights, assisting the victims of conflict and disaster worldwide, and contributing to global economic development; Whereas the alliance is a testament to the ability of great nations to overcome the past and jointly work to create a more secure and prosperous future; Whereas our two countries, coming from different cultural backgrounds, have created an active and dynamic relationship beneficial to both peoples; Whereas cultural and people-to-people ties between the United States and Japan are long-standing and deep, as exemplified by the gift of the beautiful cherry trees that dot our nation’s capital from the People of Japan to the People of the United States in 1912, signifying the affection and respect between the two nations: Now, therefore, be it