Abe and new US ambassador to strengthen ties

NHK -- Aug 19

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and new US Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty have agreed to strengthen ties amid rising tensions with North Korea.

The two met on Friday at the Prime Minister's office. The new ambassador had arrived in Tokyo the previous day.

Abe welcomed Hagerty's appointment, saying he is glad to have as US ambassador someone closely trusted by President Donald Trump.

Abe referred to the "2-plus-2" talks by the foreign affairs and defense ministers from both countries held on Thursday in Washington. Abe said they had a constructive dialogue.

The prime minister added that he hopes to closely cooperate with the ambassador on strengthening the bilateral alliance.

Aug 19 (ANNnewsCH) - 夏休みを切り上げて東京に戻ってきた安倍総理大臣は18日午後、アメリカ軍の制服組トップと会談しました。ミサイル問題については、どのような意見交換がされたのでしょうか。 (政治部・藤川みな代記者報告) 会談は1時間に及び、つい先ほど終わりました。