Abe Discusses Resignation With Trump
Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and US President Donald Trump have discussed the Japanese leader's decision to resign, and are believed to have confirmed their close cooperation will continue.
Abe and Trump talked for about 30 minutes a little after 10 a.m., Japan time, on Monday. Abe announced on Friday that he is leaving office for health reasons.
Abe is believed to have thanked Trump for the sound relationship they have built.
They are also thought to have reconfirmed the importance of the Japan-US alliance and close bilateral cooperation in various areas such as the coronavirus response and security.
Trump said on Friday that he respected Abe's decision, and called him "a great friend." He told reporters he felt very bad about Abe's resignation because the prime minister loves his country so much.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide told reporters that the talks are a sign of the strong bond between the two leaders.
Abe plans to hold phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday evening, Japan time.
