US House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced that Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has been invited to address a joint session of Congress on April 11.

Kishida is due to pay an official visit to Washington next month. A summit with President Joe Biden is planned on April 10. The White House is also expected to host a state dinner.

Johnson released a statement along with bipartisan leaders of the House and Senate on Monday.

In the statement, he says, "It is our honor to host Prime Minister Kishida for his first joint address" to the US Congress. He points out, "Now, more than ever, we must speak out against tyranny and continue our pursuit of freedom and democracy worldwide."

Johnson also praises the Japan-US security treaty, calling it a "shining example of international cooperation and diplomacy." He describes the bilateral alliance as a "cornerstone of stability and security" for both nations and the world.

The last time a Japanese prime minister addressed a joint session of Congress was in 2015, when the late Abe Shinzo delivered a speech.

Informed sources say that during his official visit, Kishida is considering a trip outside Washington to see Japanese companies doing business in the United States.