Invited to an unofficial event at Mar-a-Lago
Meet the elected president before Prime Minister Ishiba
NHK,etc. reported that Mrs. Akie (62,photo),wife of the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe,arrived in Miami,Florida,USA on the 14th (local time) to have a dinner with US President-elect Donald Trump. After arriving at the airport, Ms. Akie left in a black car that had been prepared in advance. he waved his hand lightly without answering the reporters’ questions.
On the night of the 15th, President-elect Trump invited Ms. Akie to an informal dinner held at his Florida home and the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, where the transition committee is located. It was concluded through a personal relationship between President-elect Trump and Mrs. Akie, rather than through official channels in the United States and Japan, and it is known that President-elect Trump’s wife, Melania Trump, will also attend the dinner.
Former Prime Minister Abe was the first foreign leader that President-elect Trump met promptly after winning the 2016 presidential election. The two remained close throughout the first Trump administration and developed a close relationship.
President-elect Trump has not yet met with any japanese government official as winning this presidential election. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pushed for an early meeting,but it failed. It has been reported that President-elect Trump’s side expressed the position that “meetings before inauguration are tough.” Accordingly, the Japanese government hopes that Ms. Akie, who meets President-elect Trump before the incumbent Prime Minister, will contribute to strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
Tokyo = Correspondent Lee Sang-hoon [email protected]
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What impact could Mrs. Akie Abe’s dinner with Trump have on U.S.-Japan relations in the future?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Expert Dr. Kenji Matsumoto
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Matsumoto! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent reports about Mrs. Akie Abe’s visit to the United States and her dinner with President-elect Donald Trump. It seems like a meaningful event, especially considering the ties between Trump and the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Dr. Kenji Matsumoto: Thank you for having me! Yes, this meeting is quite intriguing. It reflects the ongoing personal relationships that play a crucial role in international diplomacy, not just formal channels.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. Mrs. Akie Abe’s arrival in Miami and her informal dinner with Trump caught many by surprise. Why do you think this meeting was set up in such a personal manner rather than thru official means?
Dr. Kenji Matsumoto: The relationship between Trump and the Abe family has a deep historical context.Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was the first world leader to meet Trump after his 2016 election victory, and they cultivated a strong personal rapport. This dinner with Akie symbolizes a continuation of that connection and shows that thes personal bonds can transcend formal diplomatic processes.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. It also raises questions about the current U.S.-Japan relations. Both countries have a long-standing alliance. Do you think this meeting signals any changes or continuity in that relationship during Trump’s next term?
Dr. Kenji Matsumoto: it’s too early to determine specific policy impacts, but it certainly suggests that the personal elements of diplomacy will remain significant. Trump’s previous governance had a direct, sometimes unconventional approach to international relations, and we can expect something similar moving forward. This dinner offers an possibility to rekindle discussions with Japan at a personal level,which could enhance collaborative efforts in various areas,including trade and security.
Time.news Editor: I also noticed that Melania Trump would attend the dinner. How do you view the role of spouses in these political gatherings?
Dr. Kenji Matsumoto: The presence of spouses frequently enough adds a layer of warmth and social connection to political events. In many cultures, including Japan, the involvement of the spouse can signify respect and acknowledgment of the relationship between nations. Melania’s attendance could indicate her support for strong U.S.-Japan ties, enhancing the informal tone of the dinner.
Time.news Editor: Interesting! there has been some speculation about whether Trump’s approach towards Japan would differ this time around,especially given the changing geopolitical landscape.What are your thoughts?
Dr. Kenji matsumoto: The current geopolitical climate certainly requires a reassessment of strategies. While Trump may favor personal diplomacy, the challenges posed by China and North Korea cannot be ignored. Japan will remain a crucial ally for the U.S., and I believe Trump understands that. However, how these relationships will evolve in terms of policy implementation during his presidency remains to be seen.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Matsumoto,for your insights. As we look forward to the future of U.S.-Japan relations, it’s certainly an unfolding story that we will be watching closely.
dr. Kenji Matsumoto: My pleasure! It’s an exciting time for international relations, and I’m glad to be part of the discussion.