LISTEN NOW! (Or WATCH FULL PROGRAM) President Trump has embarked on a 5 country Asian Tour. On his first stop, President Trump visited Japan for a Press Conference with Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzō Abe. Prime Minster Abe was one of the first world leaders to congratulate President Trump before he even took office in the White House. It was Prime Minister Abe who demonstrated his deepfelt gratitude towards President Elect Donald Trump winning the Presidency by travelling to America to personally congratulate him after the Presidential Election. Since then, there has been a strong bond between these two leaders.
Prime Minister Abe wasted no time in expressing his thanks for the visitation from the President and making Japan his first stop during this Asian Tour. “This made this historic significance even greater. In this way, two of us were able to show to the rest of the world the unshakable Japan-U.S. alliance.” The comments were cordial and conversational as Prime Minister Abe expressed the productivity that they were able to have and discuss during their meetings. “For the last two days, I was able to have an in-depth discussion with Donald on a plethora of issues that the international community is faced with.” Prime Minister Abe continued to address their agreement on how to respond to North Korea. “In the discussion, overwhelming importance was occupied by the North Korean issue. We were in complete agreement as to the measures to be taken upon the analysis of the latest situation of North Korea giving a good amount of time.”
If anyone was wondering how the relationship is between the United States and Japan towards the topic of North Korea, there is no confusing the following words from Prime Minister Abe; “Through the talks over two days, I once again strongly reaffirmed that Japan and U.S. are 100 percent together.” Prime Minister Abe echoes the same sentiment as President Trump has expressed towards the North Korea regime. “Now is the time not for dialogue but for applying maximum level of pressure on North Korea.”
Prime Minister Abe shifts topics as he points out how the United States and Japan are economic leaders in the world, comprising 30% of the global economy. “The significance of Japan-U.S. alliance is not limited on security front alone. In the economic field, it greatly contributes to the prosperity of the region and the world.” As the Prime Minister continues, “I, together with President Trump, shall work not only in the field of bilateral trade, but also lead in the high-standard rulemaking in trade and investment broadly in the Asia Pacific region.” It may be unbelievable to remember that only a few short decades ago, these two countries were at war with one another. But today, we find ourselves at the intersection of cooperation and agreement. This is truly a remarkable milestone in the relationship between the United States and Japan.
As the President responds with his remarks, he expresses the same sentiments regarding the strong relationship between the United States and Japan. “And I agree with you that our relationship is extraordinary. And I agree with you also that there has never been such a close relationship between the leaders of two countries — these two countries, Japan and the United States.” As the President deeply underscored his gratitude to Prime Minister Abe and their relationship, he expressed his respect for the Japanese people and the Japanese culture. “And yet, for all of its modern splendor, the people of Japan maintain a profound respect for their rich culture, heritage, and traditions. Honoring the past, even as you blaze new trails into the future — very, very strongly looking into the future — is Japan.”
Mirroring the pattern of Prime Minister’s Abe comments, the President also had much to share about his perspective on the dangers of North Korea in this present age. “The era of strategic patience is over.” President Trump understands that the United States, as well as the world, cannot afford another Administration responding to North Korea the way past Administrations have for the last 25 years. “Some people said that my rhetoric is very strong, but look what’s happened with very weak rhetoric over the last 25 years. Look at where we are right now.” It is the beliefs and values of nations like the United States and Japan that must stand up and respond to North Korea. As the President expresses, “history has proven over and over that strong and free nations will always prevail over tyrants who oppress their people”.
It is deeply refreshing to see President Trump representing the United States and taking a proactive approach to the relationships of the countries in Asia, and the increasing threat of a nuclear North Korea. Be encouraged as you see first-hand the strong bond between the United States and Japan, their agreement of urgency in response to North Korea, and so much more. Also shared in this segment: The White House, President Trump, Trump Administration, The Asian Tour, Trump Tower, First Lady Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump, the Japan-U.S. alliance, President Trump visiting Japan, President Trump meets with Prime Minister Abe, North Korea nuclear missile development, freezing of North Korean assets, economic trade, and the Asia Pacific region. John and Steve shared in this segment.
screen capture from youtube.com/The White House