Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru visits the US, holds talks with President Donald Trump

On February 7, US President Donald Trump welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to the White House and announced that the two countries will work to reduce Washington's trade deficit with Tokyo.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru (left) and President Donald Trump at a meeting at the White House on February 7. (Source: Kyodo)

Reuters news agency reported that the US President told reporters that the two countries will work together to bring the US trade deficit with Japan to a "balanced" level, saying that this is quite easy to do, and that Washington will not encounter any problems because Tokyo also wants fairness.

According to the latest US trade data, Japan's goods trade surplus with the US in 2024 is $68.5 billion compared to $71.6 billion in 2023.

For his part, Prime Minister Ishiba said that Tokyo is determined to cooperate closely with Washington to bring peace to the world and affirmed to Mr. Trump that Japan is ready to increase investment in the US, emphasizing the plans in the US of two automobile manufacturing corporations Toyota and Isuzu.

The two sides are also said to be discussing the $14.9 billion takeover of US Steel Corporation by Japan's Nippon Steel.

Before the meeting, President Trump said he would also discuss with Prime Minister Ishiba the issue of North Korea, military exercises, increased cooperation on defense equipment and technology, and energy issues. In addition, the two sides will discuss cybersecurity, space, and joint opportunities in the fields of artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

Japan is particularly dependent on trade. It is a major exporter and relies on imports for much of its food and natural resources. Tokyo is considering buying more liquefied natural gas from the United States and has offered to help build a $44 billion gas pipeline in Alaska.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/thu-tuong-nhat-ban-ishiba-shigeru-cong-du-my-hoi-dam-voi-tong-thong-donald-trump-303610.html