Takaichi, Trump agree to strenghthen Japan-US alliance in first talks

KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she and United States (US) President Donald Trump have agreed to strengthen the bilateral alliance during their first telephone talks on Saturday.

According to Kyodo News, the discussions were held following their arrival in Kuala Lumpur for meetings related to the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.

Takaichi told reporters that during the talks, she emphasised Japan's strategic importance in the United States' approach toward China and the Indo-Pacific region.

She said she also sought Trump's cooperation in addressing North Korea's past abductions of Japanese nationals and in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Takaichi said Trump congratulated her on becoming Japan's first female prime minister and that she looked forward to meeting him in Tokyo when he visits Japan on Monday.

Takaichi, who assumed office earlier this week, is making her first major diplomatic appearances at the ASEAN meetings in Kuala Lumpur.

-- BERNAMA