Home > News > The Prime Minister in Action > November 2017 > Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting and Other Events
The Prime Minister in Action
Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting and Other Events
November 6, 2017
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands (1)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (1)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (2)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (3)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (4)
Photograph of the leaders walking around Akasaka Palace State Guest House (1)
Photograph of the leaders walking around Akasaka Palace State Guest House (2)
Photograph of the leaders walking around Akasaka Palace State Guest House (3)
Photograph of the leaders walking around Akasaka Palace State Guest House (4)
Photograph of the leaders feeding the carp at an Akasaka Palace State Guest House pond (1)
Photograph of the leaders feeding the carp at an Akasaka Palace State Guest House pond (2)
Photograph of the leaders feeding the carp at an Akasaka Palace State Guest House pond (3)
Photograph of the working lunch (1)
Photograph of the working lunch (2)
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands (2)
Photograph of the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (1)
Photograph of the Japan-U.S. Summit Meeting (2)
Photograph of the talks with families of abductees
Photograph of the joint press conference (1)
Photograph of the joint press conference (2)
Photograph of the joint press conference (3)
Photograph of the joint press conference (4)
Photograph of the joint press conference (5)
Photograph of the joint press conference (6)
Photograph of the joint press conference (7)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the dinner banquet (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the dinner banquet (2)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the dinner banquet (3)
Photograph of the banquet hosted by the Prime Minister (1)
Photograph of the banquet hosted by the Prime Minister (2)
On November 6, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a summit meeting and other events with the Honorable Donald John Trump, President of the United States of America, at Akasaka Palace State Guest House.
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, and then had a working lunch and a summit meeting. Thereafter, the leaders held talks with the families of abductees, and hosted a joint press conference.
Finally, the Prime Minister hosted a state banquet, and said in his address,
“Today, I am overjoyed to have an opportunity to host this welcome banquet to celebrate the first visit to Japan by my good friends President Trump and First Lady Melania.
Yesterday we engaged in golf diplomacy, which drew much attention from around the world. We have made all aspects of it public, except for our scores. I believe that we demonstrated to the world the strength of the Japan-U.S. Alliance. We are, however, not the first people to practice U.S.-Japan golf diplomacy. The first instance of this occurred precisely 60 years ago between my grandfather and former U.S. President Eisenhower.
After their round of golf, President Eisenhower is said to have commented that he had been forced to sit at tables with many people he disliked since becoming President, but he could only play golf with people he liked. If I added to that, I would say that I could only play two rounds of golf with someone I like very much. Isn’t that right, Mr. President?
Yesterday, we were joined at golf by Mr. Hideki Matsuyama. Tonight, we are joined by another golfer who was one of Mr. Matsuyama’s predecessors, Mr. Isao Aoki. Actually, President Trump and I were talking about Mr. Aoki, just yesterday. His putting ability amazed the world. When we were talking about it, Donald commented that Mr. Aoki’s putting is an art form, but that Mr. Aoki is the only one capable of doing it, and no one should try to imitate him. Next time, I hope to play together with Mr. Aoki as well.
Today, First Lady Melania tried her hand at calligraphy. She wrote the first character of ‘heiwa’ or ‘peace,’ and my wife wrote the second. Japan and the United States are truly working hand-in-hand to contribute to regional and global peace. The wonderful work of calligraphy that my wife and First Lady Melania produced together symbolizes the Japan-U.S. Alliance.
Over these past two days, President Trump and I were able to spend a great deal of time in deep conversation about various global issues. I wish to once again express my gratitude to President Trump and First Lady Melania for meeting with the families of the abductees.
It has been just one year since I met President Trump. In the history of the Japan-U.S. alliance, which spans more than half a century, I am convinced that there has never been a year in which the leaders of Japan and the United States have been connected by such strong and deep bonds of friendship as the two of us.
The cordial relationship that exists between our two countries is not supported by the leaders of each country alone. That relationship exists thanks to the efforts of leaders in a variety of fields, including politics, the economy, and culture. Today we are joined by people from various field, who are all working very hard every day for the friendship between Japan and the United States. I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my gratitude, and to ask for your continued assistance for the further development of these relations.
Last but not the least, I would like to say that I believe that this first trip by President Trump to Japan was truly a historic event. On your final evening here in Japan, I hope you can relax to your heart’s content. I would also like to express my heartfelt wish that President Trump and First Lady Melania’s tour of Asia, which has started in Japan, will be a tremendous success.
I now wish to offer a toast to the good health and happiness of President Trump and First Lady Melania, and to the further development of the cordial relations between the people of Japan and the United States. A toast, cheers!"
