Foreign Pool Report #6 More Takaichi remarks

Takaichi first said in English, "Thank you Donald for inviting me to the White House today."

She then turned to Mr. Takao, her interpreter, who President Trump recognized, saying, "please, you have a very good interpreter."

In her opening remarks she said through Mr. Takao:

"Right now situations in the Middle East and also the entire world, we are actually experiencing a very severe security environment, and also the global economy is now about to experience a huge hit because of this development. But even against that backdrop, I firmly believe that it is only you, Donald, who can achieve peace across the world, and to do so I am ready to reach out to many of the partners in the international community to achieve our objective together."

"So today I came here at the White House to directly convey this message to you. And speaking of the situation in Iran, Iran's development of nuclear weapons must never be allowed, and that is why we Japan, have been urging them and also reaching out to other partners in the world."

"In addition, Japan condemns Iran's actions such as attacking the neighboring region, and also the de facto or effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz. As a matter of fact, by fellow minister, Minister Motegi, Foreign Minister Motegi also had the direct exchange with the Iranian Foreign Minister and urged Iran to stop such activities"

"And also the security environment in the Indo Pacific region is also becoming increasingly severe. Donald, you have shown deep trust in Japan and also the unwavering commitment to the Japan US Alliance. Once again, thank you very much for that"

"And today I look forward to having a discussion on how we can cooperate to make our two nations, both Japan and the United States, stronger and more prosperous."

"And I also brought specific proposals to calm down the global energy market."

"So today I really look forward to having our discussion, particularly focusing on our collaboration in economic security, in the important areas such as energy and rare earth minerals. And also, I look forward to discussing with you how we can make our two economies stronger moving forward. Thank you very much."

She answered one question on China:

Q. Japan's biggest concern is China. Now they're giving us very harsh terms to criticize us. Do you plan to broker a relationship between Japan and China while you're there?

The question was meant for President Trump, but she took the opportunity to answer through Mr. Takao.

"So first of all, Japan has been consistently open to dialog with China. And also second, we have been addressing our relationship with China. And also speaking of the US China relationship, my sincere hope is that the relationship will be something conducive for regional security and also ensuring a global supply chain in the world. Once again, I would like to reiterate that Japan has been consistently open to dialog with China."

Your pooler was directly behind the Japanese delegation and could not see, but she observed Japan's Ambassador to the US Yamada, nodding along to what PM Takaichi was saying.

PM Takaichi wore large pearls, an embroidered blue suit and skirt, black heels and her legislative pin and blue ribbon pin to call attention to the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.

Earlier, the WH shared a short video on PM Takaichi's arrival to the South entrance. You can observe President Trump throwing open his arms in welcome, and her going in for a hug instead of a handshake.

We are in a lunch lid until 1:30pm.

--

Mineko Tokito Abe

Senior Washington Reporter

The Yomiuri Shimbun

General Bureau of the Americas

Suite 802 National Press Building

529 14th st. NW Washington DC 20045

Office # XXX-XXX-XXXX

Fax # XXX-XXX-XXXX

Cell # XXX-XXX-XXXX

www.yomiuri.co.jp