Japanese PM Ishiba, Trump plan Feb. 7 summit in D.C.

Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and President Donald Trump will discuss the Indo-Pacific region and bilateral support between Japan and the United States on Feb. 7.

The meeting would take place in Washington, D.C., at the urging of Ishiba, who has sought a meeting with Trump at "the earliest possible timing," Kyodo News reported.

The summit date is tentative and ultimately would address what Ishiba says is the need for a "free and open Indo-Pacific" region.

Ishiba and Trump likely would discuss strengthening mutual security amid aggressive moves by China and North Korea and potential conflict between China and Taiwan, among other regional concerns.

Ishiba also said he want to establish a "trusting relationship" with Trump while furthering Japan-U.S. relations, Radio Taiwan International reported.

The trusting relationship discussion might include the previously proposed purchase of U.S. Steel by Japan-based Nippon Steel that President Joe Biden halted due to national security concerns.

Ishiba also wants to assuage concerns among business entities and personnel in the Japan and the United States while fostering an investment-friendly environment that strengthens economic relations between the two nations.

Ishiba also has expressed interest in increasing the importation of shale gas from the United States, Nikkei Asia reported.

The proposed summit comes after Commerce Secretary nominee Howard Lutnick accused Japan and South Korea of taking advantage of the United States during his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

Ishiba is among Asian leaders who congratulated Trump on winning the Nov. 5 election and previously said he would work with Trump to improve the alliance between Japan and the United States to the mutual benefit of both nations

Ishiba became Japan's prime minister last year.