Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, shown in the photo walking to attend a House of Representatives plenary session last month on the 9th, reportedly expressed respect for former President Donald Trump during a phone call on the 7th, following Trump’s confirmation of winning the US presidential election. According to Japanese media, Ishiba remarked, “I commend you for gaining the support of many citizens with the call to ‘Make America Great Again.'”
During the first phone conversation with Trump, which lasted about five minutes, Ishiba congratulated him on his victory and agreed to elevate the US-Japan alliance to a “higher level and stage.” When asked about his impression of his first conversation with Trump, Ishiba stated, “In one word, I got a very friendly feeling,” and described Trump as someone who speaks genuinely without embellishment.
It was reported that they did not discuss issues Trump raised during the election campaign, such as the cost of stationing US troops in Japan and increased defense spending. However, Ishiba expressed a desire to actively discuss strengthening the US-Japan alliance.
Japan’s government plans for Ishiba to meet Trump in the United States after attending the G20 summit in Brazil on the 18th and 19th, suggesting that the meeting could take place this month.
Tokyo Correspondent: Hong Seok-jae