• en
ON NOW

Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya Says He Will Attend Trump Inauguration Ceremony

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya has said he will attend Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration, Strengthening US-Japan Ties

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Sunday that he would attend Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration on January 20, marking a significant effort by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration to maintain strong ties with its key security ally.

“We aim to build a relationship of trust with the Trump administration securely,” Iwaya stated during a talk show on NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. He also revealed plans to meet with Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, during his visit.

This will be Iwaya’s first trip to the United States since assuming office in October, underscoring Japan’s commitment to fostering a positive start with Trump’s second administration. Historically, Japan has enjoyed close ties with the US, and the Ishiba government aims to continue this tradition.

Reports from Japanese newspaper “Yomiuri Shimbun” suggest that Prime Minister Ishiba is planning a US visit in February for his first summit with President Trump. A previous attempt to meet in November, shortly after Trump’s electoral victory, did not materialise. Iwaya’s trip is expected to set the stage for the planned summit.

In addition to Japan, other nations are also reinforcing their partnerships with the US. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is set to attend the inauguration and meet with Trump’s team, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Similarly, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed her attendance, emphasising the importance of advancing economic and security cooperation with the US.

Wong expressed confidence in Australia’s alliance with the United States under the incoming Republican administration, calling it an “important opportunity” to strengthen the two nations’ Pacific partnership.

As global allies position themselves for collaboration with Trump’s administration, Japan’s proactive approach highlights its commitment to safeguarding its longstanding alliance with the US amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Melissa Enoch

Follow us on:

ON NOW