Today National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice hosted Japanese National Security Advisor Shotaro Yachi for a meeting at the White House.  During the meeting, they agreed to frequent regular communications between the two National Security Councils.  They also discussed updating our defense partnership and our cooperative efforts to achieve denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.  In addition, members of Mr. Yachi’s delegation held consultations with members of the National Security Council staff, who look forward to close and continuing consultation with the new Japanese National Security Council and its leadership to further advance strong U.S.-Japan relations.