Press Conferences

Reporter: You attended President Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Please share your impressions of the event and tell us how you hope to build the Japan-U.S. relations with the new administration.

Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs: Although the venue was suddenly changed from outdoors to indoors due to weather conditions, the inauguration ceremony at the Capitol was a very solemn ceremony. As I listened to the President’s speech in person, I truly felt the moment when the U.S.’s new administration was beginning. This was the first time for a Japanese Foreign Minister to attend such a ceremony, which I believe demonstrates the Trump administration’s emphasis on the Japan-U.S. relations. Therefore, I strongly felt today that I would like to elevate the bilateral relations to even greater heights through upcoming opportunities such as the Japan-Australia-India-U.S. (Quad) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the Japan-U.S. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, which I hope to hold.

Reporter: Did you speak with any foreign dignitaries?

Minister Iwaya: I attended the ceremony while having conversations with people such as Australian Foreign Minister Wong, with whom I’ve already had a meeting, and Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar, both of whom will be joining us for the Quad meeting.

Reporter: What about Trump administration officials such as Mr. Musk?

Minister Iwaya: I had a brief conversation with Mr. Musk at the church.