Japan Premier first foreign leader to meet new US Prez
New York, Nov. 18: Japan’s leader voiced confidence about Donald Trump as he became the first foreign leader to meet the US President-elect, who was narrowing in on Cabinet choices.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met for 90 minutes with Mr Trump Thursday evening at Trump Tower to sound him out after a campaign that included rhetoric that alarmed many US allies.
“As an outcome of Thursday’s discussions, I am convinced Mr Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence,” Mr Abe told reporters, describing a “very warm atmosphere.” He gave no specifics.
Japan is one of Washington’s closest allies, but Mr Trump alarmed Tokyo during the campaign by musing about pulling the thousands of US troops from the region, and suggesting that officially pacifist Japan may need nuclear weapons.
Mr Trump also vowed while campaigning to tear up the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed trade pact backed by outgoing President Barack Obama and which Mr Abe had made a top priority.
Also at the meeting with Mr Abe was Mr Trump’s model-turned-business executive daughter Ivanka and her husband, real estate developer and publisher Jared Kushner.
The presence of the couple, As an outcome of Thursday’s discussions, I am convinced Mr Trump is a leader in whom I can have great confidence
Shinzo Abe, who have emerged as key advisors, underscores the family’s influence as the President-elect readies to take power.
Mr Trump on Friday will head to his exclusive golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, transition officials said, a location that offers more seclusion and comes amid complaints about the congestion in front of Trump Tower.
Mr Trump, who has been interviewing Republican operatives for top Cabinet posts, appeared to be zeroing-in on staunch supporters but also considering former rivals.
Mr Trump also met with Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama and hinted that he would offer him a prime position. Sessions was one of Mr Trump’s earliest supporters.
Mr Trump is set to meet over the weekend with one of his harshest Republican critics, Mitt Romney, and may be considering him for secretary of state, MSNBC and CNN reported.