TOKYO, Jan 12 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is planning to attend the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States (US) on Jan 20.
The visit underscores Japan’s effort to strengthen ties with its most important ally under the incoming administration, Kyodo news agency quoted a government source.
The trip aims to prepare for discussions between Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump following his swearing-in for a second term.
The source confirmed that the Japanese government had received an official invitation to the inauguration.
Traditionally, Japan has been represented at US presidential inaugurations by its ambassador in Washington, according to sources familiar with the protocol.
During his visit, Iwaya also intends to explore the possibility of meeting Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated as US Secretary of State and is awaiting Senate confirmation.
While it is unusual for foreign leaders to attend a US president's inauguration, Trump has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping, as revealed last month by incoming White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
However, instead of Xi, China will send a high-ranking envoy to the ceremony, according to a report by the Financial Times on Thursday.
The move, described as unprecedented, is seen as an effort to ease tensions at the start of Trump’s administration.
Among the Group of Seven (G7) nations, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday she has received an invitation and is considering attending, subject to her schedule.
-- BERNAMA
