New Japan PM Suga Holds Phone Talks with Trump

Japan's new prime minister, Yoshihide Suga, had his first talks since taking office with US President Donald Trump.

The diplomatic phone call was one of his first as the leader of the country and one that stresses the strong relations between the two allies, reports AP.

Last Wednesday, Suga was elected as the new prime minister to succeed Shinzo Abe, who forged strong personal ties and frequently held Trump meetings and phone calls.

After nearly eight years at office, Abe stepped down due to ill health.

“I told him that the Japan-US alliance is the foundation of regional peace and stability, and we agreed to continue to coordinate closely,” Suga told reporters late Sunday night after the call with Trump.

Suga said Trump also said he wanted to further develop the alliance together.

Suga said the two leaders agreed to collaborate in the war against coronavirus, missile and nuclear threats from North Korea.

Japan's Foreign Ministry said early Monday in a statement that the two leaders have pledged cooperation in developing the coronavirus vaccines and care, as well as regional security issues, during their 25-minute call.

Known for his domestic political prowess, Suga has hardly traveled overseas and his diplomatic abilities are largely unknown, although he is expected to follow Abe 's priorities.

In the face of a continuing US-China trade dispute and other problems, Suga is inheriting a host of international challenges, including managing ties with China.

Suga said Trump told him he can call him any time if something happened.

“Now I’ve gained confidence,” he said, adding that he hoped to hold phone talks with other global leaders to explain Japan's stance and deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.

Suga also held talks earlier Sunday with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, and agreed to continue to cooperate among countries, the foreign ministry said.