Trump to Visit Japan on May 25-28

April 19, 2019

Tokyo- The Japanese government on Friday decided to invite U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, to Japan as state guests for four days from May 25.

They will be the first state guests to meet with the new Japanese Emperor after Crown Prince Naruhito accedes to the throne May 1.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will hold summit talks with Trump to confirm their policy of deepening the bilateral alliance.

"Inviting the presidential couple as the first state guests in the new era, Reiwa, symbolizes the unwavering ties between Japan and the United States," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference.

"We hope that the Japan-U.S. global partnership, which contributes to building peace and prosperity in the region and the world, will be further bolstered," he added.

The two leaders are expected to discuss new trade negotiations and North Korea's denuclearization and abduction issues. Arrangements are under way for Trump to watch sumo and play golf with Abe.

It will be the second time for Trump to visit Japan as president and the first since November 2017. Abe has held talks with Trump, including telephone conferences, a total of 38 times.

Trump is slated to visit Japan again, to attend a Group of 20 summit in the western city of Osaka on June 28-29.

Suga also said Abe will visit France, Italy, Slovakia, Belgium, the United States and Canada from Monday until April 29. The key purpose of his visit is to "confirm close cooperation to make the G-20 summit successful," according to Suga.Jiji Press