Trump Urges Takaichi to Contribute to Free Navigation in Hormuz

Washington, March 19 (Jiji Press)–U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to help ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed. In response to Trump’s request made during their meeting in the White House, Takaichi criticized Iran’s actions in the region and called for an early de-escalation of the situation. The two leaders agreed on a second batch of Japanese investments and loans in the United States under a bilateral tariff deal, including the construction of small nuclear power plants. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half, including the time that had been secured for a working lunch, which was canceled for longer summit discussions at Trump’s request. This is Takaichi’s first visit to the United States since she took office in October last year. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]