A: Hey buddy! Did you hear something interesting about Japan?

B: Nope, what's up?

A: Well, our Prime Minister, Ishiba Shigeru, is planning to meet President Trump next week at the Group of Seven summit in Canada.

B: Really? What did they talk about during their phone call on Friday?

A: Japan requested the call and it lasted about 20 minutes. Ishiba asked for a review of U.S. tariffs, said they want to help cut the trade deficit by investing massively and importing more stuff.

B: That's interesting! And what did Trump say?

A: They agreed to speed up ministerial trade talks to make an agreement that benefits both sides. The chief negotiator from Japan is already in Washington for fresh talks.

B: So, the meeting with Trump depends on how those talks go, right?

A: Exactly! Ishiba said their conversation was "frank and meaningful." And by the way, he also called to wish Trump a happy (early) birthday.

B: Haha! That's a nice touch! So, they also discussed Israel's military attack on Iran. They agree that peace in the Middle East is super important, and they will keep in touch about any updates.

B: Sounds like it could be a big week for Japan and the U.S.!
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Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru says he will meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada next week.



Ishiba spoke with Trump over the phone on Friday. Japan requested the call, which lasted about 20 minutes.



The prime minister told reporters that he once again asked for a review of US tariffs. He said he told Trump that Japan intends to help cut the US trade deficit through massive investments and by increasing imports.



Ishiba said he and Trump agreed to speed up ministerial trade talks to realize a mutually beneficial agreement.



Japan's chief negotiator, Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei, is visiting Washington for a fresh round of talks.



Ishiba said his meeting with Trump will be based on the outcome of Akazawa's negotiations. He said his conversation with the US president was "frank and meaningful."



Ishiba also said he made the call to say happy birthday to Trump, although it was one day early.



Whether he and Trump can reach some form of agreement on the tariffs will be the focus of their meeting. Officials from the two sides are still arranging the exact date.



The two leaders also discussed Israel's military attack on Iran. They agreed that peace and stability in the Middle East is extremely important, and that they will remain in close contact about any developments.