US President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Japan for three days from Monday for his first in-person talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said.
Trump is slated to visit Japan for the first time in about six years. Takaichi , who won the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election on October 4, became Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday, succeeding Shigeru Ishiba .
Kihara, Japan’s top government spokesman, said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that Trump is also set to meet Emperor Naruhito during his stay.
“President Trump’s visit is an extremely meaningful opportunity to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance,” Kihara said, adding that Takaichi’s government “sincerely welcomes” the trip.
Kihara also said he hopes the two leaders will build a personal relationship of trust and reaffirm that Tokyo and Washington will work together to realise a “free and open Indo-Pacific”, where China’s clout is growing.
Trump’s meeting with the emperor and summit talks with Takaichi are being arranged for Monday and Tuesday, respectively, while he is also likely to visit a US naval base in Yokosuka, southwest of Tokyo, sources familiar with the matter said.