Tokyo/Washington: Former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to visit Washington to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump in a bid to establish a personal rapport and strengthen bilateral relations.
“This will be our first face-to-face talks, so I want to build trust between us,” Ishiba stated before departing for the U.S. The meeting comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, with Japan seeking to reinforce its strategic partnership with the United States.
Ishiba, a prominent figure in Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has long been known for his expertise in defense and security matters. His engagement with Trump could signal Japan’s interest in maintaining strong ties with key U.S. political figures ahead of possible leadership shifts in Washington.
While details of the agenda remain undisclosed, sources suggest discussions may include regional security, U.S.-Japan defense cooperation, and economic ties. Ishiba’s outreach to Trump highlights Japan’s ongoing efforts to engage with American policymakers across party lines.
This meeting marks a significant step in Japan’s diplomatic approach as it navigates evolving global challenges.