Japan, U.S. leaders affirm importance of alliance in summit talks in Tokyo

The leaders of Japan and the United States underscored the importance of the two countries' alliance at the outset of their talks in Tokyo on Monday.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R) after their bilateral meeting at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo on May 27, 2019. [Photo: Pool/AFP/Eugene Hoshiko]

"I also want to make this an opportunity to clearly demonstrate, in and out of Japan, that the bonds of the Japan-US alliance continues to be firm in the Reiwa era," the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump said that he had a good relationship with his Japanese counterpart and that relations with Japan are the best they have been.

In terms of trade, Trump said, "I think we will be announcing some things probably in August that will be very good for both countries."

His remarks were made in reference to to the United States' trade deficit with Japan, which Trump described as a "tremendous imbalance."

In the talks ahead, and through his four-day state visit through Tuesday, Trump said that issues of military, trade and those pertaining to the Korean Peninsular had and would be focused on.

Abe said: "I'd like to have in-depth discussions over global challenges such as North Korea, the U.S. and Japanese economies, and coordinate bilateral efforts toward a successful Group of 20 summit in Osaka in late June."

In terms of rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, Trump said that he believes that Iran is open to talks and that he is also willing to hold talks with Tehran on the situation.

"The prime minister and Japan have a very good relationship with Iran so we'll see what happens," said Trump with reference to Tokyo's efforts to deescalate tensions between Tehran and Washington.

"I do believe that Iran would like to talk, if they'd like to talk, we'll like to talk also," said Trump.

"Nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me," the U.S. leader said.

Earlier Monday, Trump became the first head of state to meet Japan's new Emperor Naruhito who ascended the throne at the beginning of May.

Trump and first lady Melania were welcomed at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Once the talks had concluded, Trump said it was "a great honor and a great thing to meet the new emperor, following the first abdication of a Japanese monarch in 202 years."

In the evening on Monday, the Trumps will attend a state banquet at the palace hosted by the imperial couple.