I hope to establish a relationship of trust with President Biden and strengthen our alliance, which represents the universal values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, Suga said in a press conference before his departure.

For his part, Chief Secretary of the Japanese cabinet, Katsunobu Kato, revealed that Suga and Biden are planning to hold talks in Washington on Friday, at the president’s first in-person meeting with a foreign leader since his inauguration in Jan. 20.

This visit is expected to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance and show the world the solid relation between both countries, the main spokesman of the Japanese government said.

According to Kato, both leaders are expected to discuss several topics, including efforts to achieve an open area between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and the geopolitical situation in Asia.

rly/aph/mgt/nvo