TOKYO (AP) — The Latest on President Donald Trump’s visit to Japan (all times local):
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11:20 a.m.
President Donald Trump says he and Japanese Prime Minister have talked about Iran amid rising tension between Tehran and Washington.
With Abe at his side, Trump told reporters at Akasaka Palace on Monday that “nobody wants to see terrible things happen, especially me.” The U.S. president also said that “I do believe Iran would like to talk and if they’d like to talk, we’ll talk also,” adding that Abe has a “very good relationship with Iran.”
Japanese media has reported that Abe is considering a visit to Iran next month. The Kyodo News agency, citing unidentified government sources, said on Friday that Abe’s visit would be likely in mid-June. Earlier this month, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif visited Tokyo.
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11:10 a.m.
President Donald Trump says he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe “understand each other very well” as the leaders opened bilateral talks at Akasaka Palace.
Abe opened the event by telling Trump, “It was a tremendous honor for us to welcome you.”
With that and other flattery, Abe said the leaders would leaders would begin a summit to discuss North Korea and other “challenges of the international community.” Among other topics they’ll discuss the upcoming G20 summit next month.
Trump said “We are working on the imbalance of trade.” He added that the Japanese “are incredible people with a truly amazing prime minister who’s my friend.”
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10:20 a.m.
After his visit with Japan’s new emperor, President Donald Trump is at Tokyo’s official state guest house meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Trump, Abe and their respective teams will be meeting Monday and having lunch together. Trump and Abe will also be participating in a joint press conference at Akasaka Palace.
It’s the second lengthy day of meetings for the pair, who spent Sunday playing golf together, taking in a sumo match and having a couples dinner with their wives.
Trump will be attending a state banquet in his honor Monday evening, and participating in a Memorial Day event Tuesday before heading home.
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9:40 a.m.
President Donald Trump and Japan’s Emperor Naruhito walked along a red carpet in the courtyard of the Imperial Palace after meeting on Monday.
Trump is the first world leader to meet Naruhito since he ascended to the throne on May 1.
The president, who is on a state visit to Japan, is being treated to a welcome ceremony full of pomp and pageantry.
Trump stood at attention alone atop a platform before he walked along a red-carpeted route to review troops. He also passed in front of a group of schoolchildren feverishly waving U.S. and Japanese flags.
Trump wore a red tie that matched the color of the carpet. He was accompanied by first lady Melania Trump.
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9:25 a.m.
President Donald Trump is at Japan’s Imperial Palace meeting the new emperor.
The president and his wife, first lady Melania Trump, are kicking off Monday’s formal visit with handshakes and greetings with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
Trump is the first world leader to be meet Naruhito, who ascended to the throne on May 1, opening what is called the era of “Reiwa,” (RAY-wah) or “beautiful harmony.”
Trump will go later to the Japanese state guest house for meetings, a working lunch and joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The president will also be the guest of honor at an imperial banquet at the palace hosted by the emperor.
Trump opened a four-day state visit to Japan on Saturday.
