This week, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit the United States. During the visit, he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to strengthen bilateral relations. Japan’s government spokesperson, Yoshimasa Hayashi, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday (February 4).
He said, “Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to visit the United States from February 6 to 8. He will have his first face-to-face meeting with President Trump in Washington, D.C.”
He further stated, “Through this visit, we hope to build a stronger relationship of trust with the new U.S. administration and elevate the U.S.-Japan alliance to new heights.”
According to a report by Nikkei Business Daily, Ishiba wants to discuss increasing imports of U.S. shale gas with Trump.
After Donald Trump was elected president last November, Shigeru Ishiba spoke with him over the phone. Last week, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the importance of improving U.S.-Japan relations for regional stability. Japan and the United States are key defense allies and also top foreign investors in each other’s countries.
Meanwhile, within the next 24 hours, President Trump is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared this information with Fox News.