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Japan’s Foreign Minister to Attend Trump’s Inauguration, Strengthening U.S.-Japan Alliance

(FILES) Japan's incoming Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya arrives at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on November 11, 2024, after lawmakers voted in parliament to reappoint Shigeru Ishiba as the country's prime minister. Japanese foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya raised "serious concerns" on December 25 over China's military buildup as he met counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, Tokyo said. (Photo by Toshifumi KITAMURA / AFP)

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Sunday that he will attend President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, signaling Japan’s strong commitment to maintaining its vital security alliance with the United States. The visit highlights Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration’s proactive approach to fostering close ties with Trump’s incoming administration.

“We aim to build a relationship of trust with the Trump administration securely,” Iwaya said during an appearance on NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. He also revealed plans to meet Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, during his U.S. visit.

This trip marks Iwaya’s first visit to the United States since taking office in October, underscoring Japan’s dedication to ensuring a positive start with Trump’s second term.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, Prime Minister Ishiba is planning a U.S. visit in February for his first summit with President Trump. A previous attempt to arrange a meeting in November, shortly after Trump’s electoral victory, was unsuccessful. Iwaya’s trip is expected to lay the groundwork for the upcoming summit.

Japan is not alone in reinforcing its alliance with the U.S. Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has also confirmed plans to attend the inauguration and engage with Trump’s team, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Similarly, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced her attendance, emphasizing the importance of deepening economic and security ties with the U.S.

Wong described Australia’s alliance with the United States as an “important opportunity” to strengthen their Pacific partnership under the incoming Republican administration.

Amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, Japan’s proactive engagement with Trump’s administration underscores its determination to safeguard its longstanding alliance with the United States. By prioritizing dialogue and collaboration, Japan aims to navigate the evolving global landscape while maintaining its key security and economic partnerships.

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