(1) On November 6, commencing at around 12:10 p.m. for approximately 70 minutes, Prime Minister Abe held a working lunch with President Trump. In addition to the two leaders, the working lunch was attended on the Japanese side by Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Shotaro Yachi, Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat (NSS), and Mr. Kenichiro Sasae, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, and on the U.S. side by the Honorable Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State, the Honorable John F. Kelly, White House Chief of Staff, the Honorable Robert Lighthizer, United States Trade Representative, Gen. Herbert Raymond McMaster, National Security Advisor, and H.E. Mr. William F. Hagerty, U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
(2) In opening remarks, Prime Minister said as follows:
I would like to express my heartfelt condolences and sympathy for your loss and also to those people who lost their lives or were hurt in the shooting incident in Texas. I would once again like to wholeheartedly welcome the visit of President Trump and the First Lady to Japan. Yesterday, we enjoyed playing golf and also had a great time over dinner. Today I look forward to having candid discussions to cover the issue of North Korea and other global challenges. The Japan-U.S. alliance is the foundation for peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and the world. Through the visit of the President to Japan this time, we would like to make the alliance firmer and unwavering one.
(3) In response, President Trump said as follows:
It has been absolutely great two days. Prime Minister Abe has become my very close friend. To be with Prime Minister and Mrs. Abe was something very special. To have the privilege of playing golf with Prime Minister Abe and Mr. Hideki Matsuyama was great. The time that we spent together has been very fruitful. From now we will be discussing trade, North Korea, and others. It has been very special two days. On behalf of the United States of America, I would like to thank Prime Minister and Japan. We expect for a relationship that is even better than we have ever had before.
