Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan stated on May 23, "It is our unwavering policy to demand the removal of U.S. tariff measures," adding, "Through investment, we will revive strong U.S. manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen Japanese industry."
In an interview with Kyodo News on the same day, Prime Minister Ishiba predicted that the Japan-U.S. summit, which will take place on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Canada in mid-June, will serve as a turning point in tariff negotiations between the two countries.
Regarding the timing for concluding the tariff negotiations, he said, "We are working to reach the best possible outcome for both countries, but I will not make a definitive statement about the timing," dismissing the question.
On this day, Prime Minister Ishiba also held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump for about 45 minutes to discuss tariff issues and other matters.
Immediately after the call, he stated, "I expressed my hope that productive discussions will take place at the ministerial-level negotiations, and President Trump agreed." He added that both leaders reaffirmed their expectations for next month's Japan-U.S. summit.
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