Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru says US President Donald Trump's attendance at the first round of trade talks with Japan shows he places importance on negotiations with Tokyo.



Ishiba made the comment at an Upper House Budget Committee session on Monday that focused on bilateral negotiations over Trump's tariff measures.



A member of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party asked Ishiba what his impressions were of last week's talks and what stance he plans to take in negotiations going forward.



Ishiba responded that Trump's involvement shows that he values talks with Japan and intends to make decisions through his own leadership.



The prime minister went on to stress that Japan is not only an ally of the United States but also its largest foreign investor and top job creator. He said he will move forward with negotiations while keeping in mind what the two countries together can do for the world.



An opposition lawmaker asked Ishiba why senior officials from the defense and agriculture ministries did not accompany Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei, Japan's top negotiator, during the first round of talks.



Ishiba responded that the talks were not expected to cover specifics in areas such as defense and agricultural policy. He said he understands that such detailed discussions did not take place.



He added that relevant officials from the defense and agriculture ministries attended preparatory meetings and shared their views with the delegation.