Former House Speaker Thomas Foley arrived Saturday in Tokyo to take his post as America's ambassador to Japan, calling relations between the two countries "the key to a peaceful and prosperous 21st century."
Foley, who held the top House post for six years, was a popular choice in Japan, where politicians have hailed his solid connections in Washington and his knowledge of the country.The 68-year-old lawyer, who led more than a dozen congressional trips to Japan during nearly three decades in the House, arrives as Tokyo's ballooning trade surplus is causing tensions with Washington.
Foley said it would be his job to ensure that the two economic powers continue cooperating on a broad range of problems, including trade, security and the environment.
"It will also be my responsibility to ensure that when we do disagree, as friends and allies we can speak frankly, and . . . work for solutions that serve both of our peoples," he said in a statement on his arrival at Tokyo's Narita airport.
"And when friends and allies find these solutions, there are no losers - both sides win," he said.
While Washington says its relationship with Japan is a top priority, it was slow to pick a replacement for Ambassador Walter Mondale, who left Tokyo more than 10 months ago.
During the hiatus, relations were smooth. But as Foley arrives in Japan, old tensions are beginning to mount over trade and the way Japan runs its economy.
Economists say Japan is trying to export its way out of an economic slump, despite calls from the United States to spur domestic consumption instead.
Foley's ties to Japan are partly based on trade. His home state of Washington is a major exporter to Japan of airplanes and lumber. A 1993 agreement to open Japan to apples grown in his state was initially cheered but later deemed a failure.
While Foley may know well the difficulties faced by U.S. exporters, some worry that close ties with Japanese politicians and business leaders mean he won't be as tough as his predecessor in trying to pry open the Japanese market.
Foley was first elected to the House in 1964 and was chosen Speaker in 1989. He lost his seat in the Republican landslide in 1994.