US vice president Pence to meet Abe on Wed.

February 2, 2018

Tokyo- US Vice President Mike Pence will hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Friday.

Pence is scheduled to make a three-day visit to Japan from Tuesday.

At their meeting, Abe and Pence are expected to discuss responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile development and confirm close cooperation between Japan and the United States to intensify pressure on the reclusive country.

Pence, who represents the United States in the bilateral forum of economic dialogue with Japan, is believed to exchange opinions with Abe on trade issues.

Suga told a press conference that Pence's trip to Japan is "a great opportunity" to demonstrate both internally and externally the strong bond of the Japan-US alliance.

Abe and his wife, Akie, plan to host a dinner party for Pence. Jiji Press