United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed economic relations, Iran, North Korea, China and stability of the Indo-Pacific region during their much-anticipated bilateral talk in Tokyo on Monday.
One of the significant takeaways from the joint press conference conducted by the two leaders following the bilateral talks was the decisive statement by Trump that the US was not seeking "regime change" in Iran.
"We're not looking for regime change. I want to make that clear," CNN quoted Trump as saying. "We're looking for no nuclear weapons."
The statement has come two days after Trump announced that the US would deploy about 1500 additional troops to the middle east as a "protective measure."
Shortly before the press conference, the US President had met with the families of citizens who were abducted by North Korea decades ago. During the meeting, Trump told the families that he would be working with Abe to bring their relatives home.
"I can also tell you for certain that it is the Prime Minister's primary goal," Trump said, adding that Abe has discussed the topic at every meeting they have had.
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Speaking on that front in the press conference, Abe said that he was "completely on the same page" as Trump on the issue. The Japanese PM added that he plans to have a discussion with North Korean leader Kim-Jong-un in "complete candour" about the issue in the future.
It is pertinent to mention that a 2014 report by the United Nation states that hundreds of South Koreans, Japanese and other foreign nationals were kidnapped by North Korea at the end of the Korean War in 1953.
During the press conference today, Trump reiterated his statement that he was not bothered about the recent tests of short-range nuclear missiles North Korea, and even added that he did not think the missile tests violated UN resolutions.
"My people think it could have been a violation. I view it differently," said Trump, while adding that Kim could be a man "who wants to get attention."
Notably, among those to say that the missile test violated the UN resolutions, were the Japanese government and Trump's national security adviser John Bolton.
Lastly, the US President cleared that he is "not ready" to make a trade deal with China just yet, albeit, added that the deal could happen "sometime in the future."
Both the countries have been locked in a trade dispute since last year. The United States recently increased tariffs on Chinese goods amounting to over 200 billion US dollars even as the two sides were amid negotiations. In retaliation, China announced that it would be increasing duties on USD 60 billion worth US imports from June 1.
Trump is on a four-day visit to Japan. Earlier in the day, he met the country's new emperor Naruhito. Accompanied by his wife Melania Trump, the US President arrived at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Monday morning, where they were greeted by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
In an elaborate welcome ceremony that ensued, Trump reviewed a cordon of Japanese troops and greeted yellow-hatted schoolchildren waving American and Japanese flags.