[Provisional translation]
Reporter: Thank you for taking my question. I am Yoshihara, with NHK.
You will be visiting the United States for the first time since taking office, and you will have a meeting with President Trump. What kind of meeting do you want this to be, and what are your expectations for the outcomes?
Also, Madame Prime Minister, while at the Diet, you indicated that during this summit meeting you intend to engage in a candid exchange of views with President Trump regarding the situation surrounding Iran and other matters and have in-depth discussions with him. What kind of discussions do you intend to have toward de-escalating the situation in the Middle East?
In addition, President Trump has indicated his expectations for a dispatch of vessels to the Strait of Hormuz. How do you intend to explain Japan's position if you are asked to respond directly to this matter during the meeting?
Prime Minister Takaichi: From now, I will be heading to Washington, D.C.
The tense situation surrounding Iran is continuing. Against that backdrop, the situation is such that the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and global peace and stability, including energy security, are being threatened.
The top priority is the early de-escalation of the situation. I consider that to be a matter of working toward the peace and stability of the Middle East, including with regard to energy security.
Having said that, I will not at this time prejudge what we will discuss at our summit meeting.
I imagine that the U.S. side has various points to make, so I will refrain from doing that; instead, I want to engage in substantial discussions based on Japan's point of view and our way of thinking.
The important thing is resolutely maximizing Japan's national interests. Beyond that, if the current unstable situation continues, both Japan and the United States, as well as other countries around the world, will find themselves in a difficult economic position. Our countries will also encounter disruptions in terms of economic security, so I also wish to discuss those kinds of matters.
Moreover, insofar as Japan and the United States are allies, when I talk to President Trump, I intend to confirm that our countries will reinforce their relations across a wide spectrum of fields, such as security and the economy, including economic security. I also want Japan and the United States to confirm with each other our firm commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, which is a pillar of Japan's diplomacy.
I will now head off on my visit.