Ishiba of Japan "Congratulates Trump on Victory... Will Strengthen US-Japan Alliance"

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba congratulated former Republican President Donald Trump, whose victory in the 47th U.S. presidential election on the 6th is virtually certain, and stated that he intends to further strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Kyodo News, Prime Minister Ishiba met with reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo on the same day and said regarding Trump's likely victory in the presidential election, "I sincerely congratulate Trump on his victory."

He added, "I want to work closely with Trump to further elevate the U.S.-Japan alliance relationship," and "I will strive to have a meeting with him as soon as possible."

Japan has been planning and promoting an early meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and the U.S. president-elect to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance. The Mainichi Shimbun reported on the 2nd, citing Japanese government officials, that Prime Minister Ishiba is considering visiting the U.S. later this month to hold talks with the president-elect. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said on the same day, "Once the next U.S. president is decided, we will make efforts to hold an early meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and the president-elect."