Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has congratulated Donald Trump on being sworn in as the President of the United States.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Japan time, Ishiba posted a message on X that read, "I look forward to collaborating with you to reinforce the enduring Japan-US partnership and jointly pursue our shared goal of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Iwaya Takeshi became the first Japanese Foreign Minister to attend an inauguration ceremony for a US president. He later spoke to reporters saying this is a sign that the Trump administration attaches importance to relations with Japan.

Iwaya said he hopes to enhance the Japan-US relationship through meetings with the US, as well as Australia and India.

Iwaya revealed that he exchanged words with tech billionaire Elon Musk ahead of the inauguration ceremony. Musk is set to assume a key post in the new administration.