Ishiba says he will meet Trump on sidelines of G7 in Canada
Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru says he will meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada next week.
Ishiba spoke with Trump over the phone on Friday. Japan requested the call, which lasted about 20 minutes.
The prime minister told reporters that he once again asked for a review of US tariffs. He said he told Trump that Japan intends to help cut the US trade deficit through massive investments and by increasing imports.
Ishiba said he and Trump agreed to speed up ministerial trade talks to realize a mutually beneficial agreement.
Japan's chief negotiator, Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei, is visiting Washington for a fresh round of talks.
Ishiba said his meeting with Trump will be based on the outcome of Akazawa's negotiations. He said his conversation with the US president was "frank and meaningful."
Ishiba also said he made the call to say happy birthday to Trump, although it was one day early.
Whether he and Trump can reach some form of agreement on the tariffs will be the focus of their meeting. Officials from the two sides are still arranging the exact date.
The two leaders also discussed Israel's military attack on Iran. They agreed that peace and stability in the Middle East is extremely important, and that they will remain in close contact about any developments.
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