EXCLUSIVE: Japan’s Kono Mulls Visit to Malaysia, Singapore in June

May 29, 2018

Tokyo- Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono is considering a visit to Malaysia and Singapore on June 8-9, government sources told Jiji Press on Monday.

Kono may extend his stay in Singapore if a summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un takes place there on June 12, the sources said.

If the summit takes place, Kono is hoping to get briefed on the outcome directly by the U.S. side, as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other U.S. officials are expected to accompany Trump, the sources said.

In Malaysia, Kono hopes to establish Japan's ties with the administration of Mahathir Mohamad, who made a comeback as prime minister after 15 years.

In Singapore, this year's chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Kono aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

He also aims to confirm cooperation with the two ASEAN member nations toward North Korea's denuclearization. Jiji Press