In Joint Conference, Trump And Abe Laud Alliance As 'Cornerstone Of Peace'

February 10, 2017 • The U.S. president and Japanese prime minister used their news conference to celebrate the allies' bilateral cooperation. The joint address marked an intermission in their multiday diplomatic talks.

At a joint news conference Friday, President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sought to shed any perceptions of mistrust between two countries that have been longtime allies. In no uncertain terms, both leaders upheld their friendly relations — both diplomatic and personal — as an alliance with a bright future.

The U.S.-Japan friendship is the "cornerstone of peace and stability in the Pacific region," President Trump told reporters gathered in the East Room at the White House.

The news conference capped a morning of discussion between Trump and Abe in the Oval Office, and it anticipates a round of golf they plan to play Saturday at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla

During Trump's second visit from a foreign leader since taking office, both men covered some of the lingering questions Trump has raised about their countries' alliance — from security agreements to monetary policy.

"Bilateral cooperation is essential," Trump said — a point echoed later by Abe, who promised to "deepen bilateral relations" by establishing a cross-Pacific dialogue by their respective seconds-in-command.

Key to that cooperation, both leaders asserted, will be Japanese investment in the United States. That includes a promise from Abe that Japanese automakers will create jobs stateside, and that Japanese money and technical know-how will help the U.S. infrastructure spending promised by Trump — including a lighthearted pitch for the maglev trains that have become iconic in Japan. - Read More, NPR

In Joint Conference, Trump And Abe Laud Alliance As 'Cornerstone Of Peace'