Abe Tells Trump Japan - Us Alliance To Remain Strong
Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo has stressed to US President Donald Trump that his successor will continue to bolster the Japan-US alliance. Abe made the comment in a phone call on Monday, Japan time, to explain his decision to resign.
Abe and Trump talked for about 30 minutes. The prime minister announced on Friday that he is leaving office for health reasons.
He thanked Trump for his cooperation in making the Japan-US relationship stronger than ever under the two leaders' mutual trust, saying that they had held a number of talks in person and by phone.
Abe expressed his hope that the two nations will cooperate closely on security as Tokyo is drafting a new missile defense strategy.
Security concerns in Japan have been mounting with North Korea enhancing its ballistic missile capabilities.
Abe also asked Trump for continued support to resolve the issue of North Korea's abduction of Japanese nationals.
The two leaders agreed their countries will work together in developing treatments and vaccines to fight the coronavirus.
Abe also plans to talk with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone on Monday evening, Japan time.
