(CLO) US President Donald Trump said over the weekend that Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit him this week at the White House and that he is looking forward to the meeting.
"They will come to talk to me and I'm really looking forward to it," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
Trump did not announce a specific date, but sources revealed that the meeting could take place on February 7th in Washington, focusing on strengthening the alliance, enhancing deterrence capabilities, and responding to regional security challenges.
According to a source close to the matter, the Japanese government has informed a senior lawmaker that Mr. Ishiba is scheduled to make a three-day trip, beginning on February 6th.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said, "I have great respect for Japan. I like Japan," but he did not directly mention Prime Minister Ishiba, instead referring to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"Prime Minister Abe was a very close friend of mine. What happened to him is sad and one of the saddest days," Trump said, referring to the assassination of Prime Minister Abe in 2022. Abe had a particularly close relationship with Trump during his first presidential term.
US President Donald Trump. Photo: White House
During their upcoming talks, Ishiba and Trump are expected to focus on the security situation in the Indo- Pacific region. Ishiba may emphasize Japan's commitment to increasing defense spending to counter threats.
Beyond security issues, the meeting could also address trade and investment between the two countries. Japan has been the largest foreign direct investor in the US for the past five years. However, bilateral economic relations have been hampered by the previous administration of President Joe Biden blocking Nippon Steel's acquisition of United States Steel Corp.
Mr. Trump, who also strongly opposes the sale of this iconic steel company, may discuss with Mr. Ishiba how to maintain trade relations between the two countries amid tightening protectionist policies in the US.
The upcoming meeting between Ishiba and Trump will be the second time Trump has hosted a foreign leader since taking office on January 20. On February 4, Trump is expected to hold talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Hoai Phuong (according to Kyodo News, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-trump-noi-rat-mong-cho-cuoc-hoi-dam-voi-thu-tuong-nhat-ban-vao-tuan-nay-post332588.html
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