Ishiba has phone talks with Trump before next round of tariff negotiations
Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has restated his government's position over US tariff measures during a phone call with President Donald Trump. The leaders agreed to deepen discussions between ministers in charge from both nations.
The roughly 30-minute conversation took place at Ishiba's request on Thursday. It came before senior Japanese and US officials meet in the United States on Friday to discuss the Trump administration's tariff arrangements.
Ishiba told Trump that Japan's investment serves the national interests of both countries such as creating jobs in the US and leading to the development of quality products.
Speaking to reporters after the call, Ishiba described the conversation, which followed phone talks between the leaders last week, as very meaningful. He said he and Trump exchanged candid opinions in a friendly atmosphere. He said the two also deepened their mutual understanding.
Ishiba also told reporters that he wants to continue working with Trump to further reinforce the alliance and cooperative relationship between Japan and the US. He said such efforts will allow the two sides to make greater contributions to global peace, stability and prosperity.
Referring to the ongoing tariff negotiations, Ishiba stressed that his government has been consistently emphasizing that investment is more important than tariffs. He said there had been no change in Japan's position of seeking to establish a win-win relationship.
Ishiba also referred to the Group of Seven summit to be held in Canada in mid-June. He said he hopes to meet Trump in person on the sidelines of the gathering. He added that he may even travel to the US to meet the president before the summit, if necessary.
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