Japan’s Prime Minister Plans Meeting with President Donald Trump

In a recent phone conversation, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump have agreed to hold a face-to-face meeting in the near future. This development was revealed by Ishiba in a press statement, where he emphasized the friendly atmosphere of the call and described Trump as a sincere and open person who does not attempt to embellish reality.

Plans for a Bilateral Meeting

While returning from the G20 summit in Brazil, Prime Minister Ishiba mentioned the possibility of a bilateral meeting in the United States during a stopover for his plane’s refueling. The discussion between the two leaders was general, avoiding sensitive matters such as Trump’s possible pressure on Japan to allocate more funds to U.S. troops stationed on its soil or to boost its military spending.

Future Talks to Cover Broader Topics

Despite the absence of sensitive topics in their recent conversation, Ishiba stressed that future talks will cover a broader range of issues related to bilateral relations. This includes not just funding, but also equipment and joint operations. “It will be important to discuss strengthening the Japan-US alliance from a number of perspectives, to also address issues related to equipment and operational integration,” Ishiba added.

Strengthening Japan-US Alliance

This upcoming meeting between the two leaders emphasizes the importance of strengthening the Japan-US alliance. It provides an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, not just concerning funding, but also matters related to equipment and joint operations. This initiative by Prime Minister Ishiba signifies Japan’s commitment to maintain and reinforce its ties with the United States.