Arab News Japan

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump welcomed Japan’s new prime minister, the White House said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the president looked forward to working with SUGA Yoshihide and continuing to pursue “the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The US and Japan have a record of close cooperation, strengthened by Abe and President Donald Trump’s close ties. 

In December 2019, Abe expressed Japan’s support for the June 2018 US-North Korea agreement. 

More recently, in March, Abe and Trump held talks over the phone with the aim of working together regarding the Tokyo Games.

The two countries also vowed to join efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

They also discussed the development of a vaccine, as well as possible measures to allow for the reopening of the economies. 

While Abe was praised for strengthening the Japan-US alliance, the Trump administration expressed intent to further the relationship with Prime Minister Abe’s successor. 

*with Reuters