Trump also said that the United States wants “more ships” and that the country will “get this industry back,” but he avoided questions about the corporate leaders he planned to meet with or the details of the economic agreements.
Trump’s visit includes a meeting with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, talks with Takaichi, and a dinner with corporate leaders. The trip is seen as a serious test for Sanae Takaichi, who earlier this month became Japan’s first female prime minister.
“I look forward to meeting the new prime minister. I hear phenomenal things,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.
During his stay in Japan, Trump also told journalists that he was excited about his meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the prospect of signing a joint agreement to develop shipbuilding capabilities.
Trump’s trip begins with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito on Monday at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
“Looking forward to seeing the Emperor!” Trump wrote on social media shortly before landing. In 2019, Trump became the first foreign leader to meet Naruhito as emperor after his father, Akihito, abdicated.
It is expected that Trump and Takaichi will also inspect the USS George Washington aircraft carrier at the Yokosuka Naval Base, south of Tokyo. On Tuesday evening, Trump will hold a dinner with corporate executives.
US pressure on Japan
Earlier reports stated that the United States expects Japan to completely abandon imports of Russian energy resources.
Japan has already signed several agreements with US gas producers, but has so far refrained from joining this specific project. Washington, meanwhile, seeks to strengthen its position in Asia’s energy market amid declining Russian supplies.
US President Donald Trump previously announced that India had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil.
AloJapan.com