Trump Wants to See Japan-U.S. Trade Deal in Aug.

Tokyo, May 27 (Jiji Press)--Visiting U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday expressed a wish to strike an agreement in bilateral trade negotiations in August. "We will be announcing some things, probably in August, that will be very good for both countries," Trump said at the beginning of his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But the Japanese side denied that the two leaders agreed on an August deal, which would follow the House of Councillors election possibly in July. Meanwhile, Tokyo and Washington confirmed close cooperation toward the envisioned denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and progress on the issue of North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals. At a joint news conference after the summit, Trump said his country aims to "remove trade barriers, and barriers of all kinds," in its negotiations with Japan. Japan's position is that it cannot lower or scrap tariffs on agricultural imports from the United States beyond the levels promised under the Trans-Pacific Partnership regional trade deal. Regarding this, Trump said, "I have nothing to do with TPP." At the press conference, Abe did not answer a question about Trump's comment on an August deal. He only said the two countries "will accelerate their discussions based on the Japan-U.S. relations of trust." Later, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasutoshi Nishimura denied Abe and Trump agreed to realize such a deal. An August accord "is absolutely impossible," a Japanese government source said. The summit, held at the Akasaka Palace, a Japanese state guest house, lasted two hours and 40 minutes including a lunch session. Regarding the abduction issue, Abe reiterated at the news conference his wish to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without conditions for frank talks. Trump threw his full support behind Abe's stance and promised to give every possible assistance. He also showed hope that Kim "seizes the opportunity to transform his country through denuclearization." Abe said he and Trump coordinated their policies very closely based on the latest situation in the communist country. "The Japanese and U.S. positions are perfectly the same," Abe stressed. Trump said he is not personally bothered by North Korea's firing of short-range ballistic missiles earlier this month. In contrast, Abe said the firing violates U.N. Security Council resolutions and is therefore regrettable. Abe, who is considering visiting Iran in June, said Japan will work closely with the United States to help ease tensions between Washington and Tehran. Trump showed his support for Abe's policy toward the Middle East country. At the news conference, Trump also said the United States is not seeking a regime change in Iran. Abe and Trump agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of space, including lunar exploration. This was the 11th summit between Abe and Trump and the first since the one held in Washington in late April. Trump is visiting Japan as the Asian country's first state guest since the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito on May 1, which marked the start of the new era Reiwa. Welcoming Trump's visit, Abe said, "Our very close personal relationship of trust has made the bonds of the Japan-U.S. alliance the world's closest one that cannot waiver." Abe and Trump will meet again on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Osaka, western Japan, in late June. END