Trump will meet widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe on Sunday, supply says By Reuters

By Nandita Bose

(Reuters) – U.S. President-elect Donald Trump plans to satisfy Akie Abe, the widow of late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at a non-public dinner at his Florida lodge on Sunday, a supply conversant in the matter instructed Reuters.

The assembly comes as Tokyo seeks to determine shut ties with Trump earlier than he takes workplace on January 20.

America is Japan’s most necessary financial and safety companion, whereas Tokyo is a key ally of Washington, internet hosting army bases on China’s doorstep.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had tried to journey to the USA to satisfy with Trump after the G20 convention in Brazil on November 18-19, however the assembly by no means passed off.

After Trump’s election in 2016, Shinzo Abe was the primary overseas chief he met they usually maintained a powerful relationship all through his first time period within the White Home. Trump usually spoke fondly of Abe, who was assassinated in 2022 whereas giving a speech in Japan.

Though Akie Abe doesn’t maintain any authorities place, she has served as a bridge between her nation and Trump. Trump has referred to as her repeatedly to examine on her since her husband’s assassination, CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins wrote on X earlier Thursday.

Melania Trump, the president-elect’s spouse, will likely be on the dinner, Collins wrote.

The Trump transition didn’t reply to a request for remark.

Ishiba instructed reporters on Nov. 16 that Trump’s transition workforce had knowledgeable them that underneath U.S. legislation, the president-elect couldn’t meet with overseas leaders earlier than assuming the presidency. For the reason that election, Trump has met with a number of overseas leaders, together with Argentine President Javier Milei and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Akie Abe couldn’t be reached for remark. His plans to journey to the USA in hopes of assembly with Trump had been reported earlier this week by Japanese media.

The Japanese authorities declined to touch upon its plans to satisfy with Trump.