Former US President Donald Trump welcomed Aso Taro, the vice-president of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party, at Trump Tower in New York on Tuesday.

At the building's entrance, Trump introduced Aso to reporters. He said, "We'll be talking about Japan and the United States right now and lots of other things."

Trump posted a message on social media later. He said, "It was my great honor to welcome former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso -- at Trump Tower this evening!"

Aso's visit follows similar moves by a number of senior foreign officials.

Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Trump on April 17, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron met with the former US president on April 8. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had a meeting with Trump on March 8.

Foreign officials appear to be aware of the possibility that the former president could regain control of the US government in 2025. Trump is running in the presidential election that will be held later this year.