According to the Japanese "Mainichi Shimbun", the elected president of the USA, Trump, stated at a press conference on December 16 local time that he intends to facilitate a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba before officially assuming the presidency in January next year. The Japanese side had previously tried to arrange a meeting between Ishiba and Trump, but it was refused by Trump's team. Regarding Trump's latest remarks, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed welcome at a press conference on the 17th. It was reported that Trump met with Akie Abe, the widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who visited Mar-a-Lago the day before. Trump stated at the press conference that he "highly values" Japan and has respect for the position of Japanese Prime Minister, saying, "If he wants to (hold a meeting), I am here." He also mentioned that he sent books and other items to Ishiba through Akie Abe. (Global Network)