UPDATES AS JAPANESE PREMIER LEAVES FOR US US, ADDS BACKGROUND, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK
By Aamir Latif and Saadet Gokce
KARACHI, Pakistan/ ISTANBUL (AA) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Thursday flew to the US on a three-day visit for his first in-person summit with President Donald Trump.
“I'd like to confirm in my meeting with the president that Japan and the US will cooperate in the economic and security fields. That we will work together toward peace, and developing freedom and openness in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” Ishiba told reporters before boarding the plane according to NHK broadcaster.
The Japanese prime minister plans to discuss regional issues including China as well as North Korea with the US president.
Japan is an old ally of the US in the Asia-Pacific region, hosting more than 50,000 American soldiers under a bilateral treaty.
While Ishiba may also invite Trump to visit Japan, the Japanese prime minister is expected to discuss with Trump stalled purchase deal of US Steel by Japanese giant Nippon Steel.
Ishiba could also offer increased purchase of the LNG from the US for Japan, which is an energy-deficient country.
Earlier in the day, Ishiba's official car had a minor collision with a police vehicle in the capital Tokyo. The premier was not in the vehicle, and no one was hurt.