Japanese Foreign Minister to Attend Trump’s Inauguration
WASHINGTON/TOKYO: Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is set to attend Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States on January 20. This marks a notable presence as a high-ranking official from a crucial Asian ally will be present at the significant event, according to sources who requested anonymity.
Iwaya has accepted the invitation extended by Trump’s team, confirming reports from Japanese media. His attendance will make him the first member of the Japanese cabinet to witness the swearing-in of a US president, as highlighted by the Nikkei newspaper.
As of now, neither Japan’s embassy in Washington nor officials from Trump’s inauguration team have provided comments regarding the upcoming event.
During his visit, Iwaya plans to meet with Senator Marco Rubio, who is slated to be Trump’s Secretary of State, according to the sources. The minister is expected to express Japan’s desire for an early meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Ishiba had previously sought to meet with Trump shortly after his election defeat of Joe Biden, but had been unsuccessful.
Additionally, Satsuki Katayama, a member of Ishiba’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, is also set to attend the inauguration, having received an invitation from Senator Bill Hagerty, who served as Trump’s ambassador to Japan during his first term.
Iwaya’s attendance will mark his first trip to the United States since becoming foreign minister in October. Japan is keen to reaffirm its strong ties with the US following Trump’s successful reelection campaign.
Prior to attending the inauguration, Iwaya will be visiting South Korea to strengthen security cooperation among the East Asian nations and their mutual ally, the United States, particularly in light of China’s growing influence in the region. However, deepening trilateral security partnerships could face challenges amid the political unrest in South Korea surrounding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.
Following South Korea, Iwaya is scheduled to visit the Philippines and the Pacific island nation of Palau, both of which count on the US for economic support and defense.
In related news, the Financial Times reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to send a high-level representative to participate in Trump’s inauguration, possibly Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
