Japanese PM is coordinating first meeting with Trump 'in the first half of next month'

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly coordinating his visit to the U.S. in the "first half" of next month for his first summit with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who will take office on the 20th.

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that Prime Minister Ishiba reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance at the summit and that U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to share opinions on Japan Steel's refusal to buy U.S. steelmaker U.S. Steel.

Prime Minister Ishiba, who is visiting Indonesia, told reporters yesterday that the relationship between the U.S. and Japan is very important and expressed his desire to hold talks with President-elect Trump as early as possible.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will be the first Japanese minister to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Trump in Washington, DC, on the 20th.

Japanese media said that Foreign Minister Iwaya's attendance at the inauguration ceremony was unusual, given that it has been customary for Japanese ambassadors to the U.S. to attend the inauguration ceremony of the U.S. president.

On the occasion of his visit to the United States, Foreign Minister Iwaya will hold a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State nominee Mako Rubio and other senior Trump administration officials to discuss the summit.