Japan’s Foreign Minister to Emphasize Defence Spending and Investment at Trump’s Inaugural

Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will be the first senior Japanese official to meet the incoming president’s team.

Japan’s Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya, is set to visit Washington for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, where he plans to emphasize the economic and national security contributions that Japan, as a key U.S. ally in Asia, offers.

During his four-day stay, starting Sunday, Iwaya will become the first senior Japanese official to meet members of the incoming president’s governing team.

One of the key meetings anticipated is with Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s choice for secretary of state, who is expected to be confirmed on Monday. Iwaya’s visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of security and trade, as both countries navigate the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape.

Iwaya stated that Japan’s commitment to allocating 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) to defense by 2027, in line with its national security strategy, was steadily progressing.

“Japan’s status as the leading US investor over the past five years also demonstrates our contributions,” Iwaya said at a regular press briefing. “I will thoroughly explain and ensure understanding of these efforts,” he added.

Despite Japan’s deep economic and security ties with the US, including a decades-long military alliance that provides Washington with military bases on China’s doorstep, Tokyo remains uncertain about whether Japanese goods, such as automobiles, will be subject to the trade tariffs that Trump has indicated he will impose on imports.

Iwaya, who is making his first visit to the US since taking up his post in October, said his trip will pave the way for a first meeting between Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, which is expected to take place next month.

Courtesy: USA TODAY

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