The Latest on President Donald Trump’s trip to Asia (all times local):
TOKYO (AP) – The Latest on President Donald Trump’s trip to Asia (all times local):
7:45 p.m.
President Donald Trump is stressing his close ties with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The two leaders dined with their wives in Tokyo, as part of Trump’s first stop on a 12-day trip through Asia.
Trump says that he and Abe « like each other and our countries like each other. » He adds that « I don’t think we’ve ever been closer to Japan than we are right now. »
The president adds that they are discussing a number of subjects « including North Korea and trade and other things
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4:45 p.m.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he and U. S. President Donald Trump had a lively conversation over golf.
Abe spoke to reporters after he and Trump had lunch and played golf Sunday. He said that the two leaders were able to talk frankly in a relaxed atmosphere while out on the course.
Abe said he and Trump were able to « carry out in depth discussion, at times touching on various difficult issues. »
Their formal talks Monday are expected to focus on North Korea and other regional and bilateral issues.
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4:30 p.m.
President Donald Trump’s first trip to Asia began with a round of golf, a custom cap and a hamburger of American beef.
The president got a taste of home as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe welcomed him to Japan Sunday with a display of friendship that will soon give way to high-stakes diplomacy. The two men have struck up an easy rapport.
The leaders played nine holes of golf at Japan’s premiere course.
The low- key start was a prelude to the formal talks planned in Tokyo Monday. Abe will be looking for a united front against North Korea and reassurances that the U. S. will stand by its treaty obligations to defend Japan if attacked.
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