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Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks at a debate with other political party leaders at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Saturday. Image: REUTERS/Pool
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Ishiba to consider visiting U.S. to meet president-elect: report

13 Comments

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba intends to consider visiting the United States to meet the president-elect before the inauguration in January next year, the Yomiuri newspaper said on Sunday.

"As the prime minister of Japan, an ally of the U.S., it is necessary for me to have a relationship (with the president-elect) before officially taking office in January next year," the Yomiuri quoted him as saying in its interview held on Saturday.

The premier also said he "won't deny the possibility" of visiting the U.S. before or after his planned visits to South America in the middle of next month, the Yomiuri said.

If this happens, it would be Ishiba's first visit to the U.S. since he took office as prime minister.

The premier is expected to attend the APEC summit in Peru and the G20 summit in Brazil in November, the report said.

The U.S. presidential election, which pits Democrat Kamala Harris against Republican Donald Trump, will be held on Nov 5.

© Thomson Reuters 2024.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

13 Comments
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"As the prime minister of Japan, an ally of the U.S., it is necessary for me to have a relationship (with the president-elect) before officially taking office in January next year," the Yomiuri quoted him as saying in its interview held on Saturday.

Ishiba trying to Trump Abe's first visit with Trump when he was President elect.

I have a suspicion the LDP may prefer Trump but that is a dangerous bet.

-4 ( +7 / -11 )

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba intends to consider visiting the United States to meet the president-elect before the inauguration in January next year

There is no option on the table for an LDP pm.

-2 ( +7 / -9 )

Donald will say "who are you?"

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba intends to consider visiting the United States to meet the president-elect

Sounds like he's already considering it.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

With the churn of LDP PMs, it's always the goal of each one to get his photo taken with the US president. Then he has mattered even if he did nothing much else, which is mostly the case.

-6 ( +7 / -13 )

A sign of restraint perhaps. His predecessor would have squeezed one more taxpayer funded jaunt in before the election also.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

At least he's "considering it" not "mulling it".

Oh wait, he "going to consider it". lol

2 ( +6 / -4 )

"intends to consider" and "won't deny the possibility"

WTH? Those have to be the weakest statements a politician (or anyone) can utter. Come on Sir. Be a leader and set some direction!

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Will the trip take one or two jets to accomplish?

I’m so excited to see if PM Ishiba prefers wine or beer?

And most importantly, how much time will be allocated to and who will be buying the souvenirs?

Steak dinners all round?

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Maybe he should reconsider the consideration,

considering Donald Trump would be considered the next POTUS

(which won't happen, I'm sure, but just considering the possibilities).

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Well, the future PM could take a Washington D.C. tourist bus. He'd get lots of attention.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Well he’s gonna be visiting Trump, that much is clear.

-6 ( +0 / -6 )

awomde

Donald will say "who are you?"

Donald won't be there. And Harris will know who he is.

Blacklabel

Well he’s gonna be visiting Trump, that much is clear.

Love the wishcasting. LOL

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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