Tokyo (TDI): US President Donald Trump met with Japanese Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Monday, marking their first encounter in six years since Trump’s previous presidency.
The meeting, described by Japanese officials as a “symbol of renewed friendship,” comes at a time when Washington and Tokyo are seeking to strengthen cooperation amid heightened regional tensions and evolving economic challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump and senior members of his delegation, was greeted with a formal welcome ceremony before proceeding to private talks with Emperor Naruhito. The discussion encpompassed bilateral relations, regional peace, and ongoing US–Japan trade initiatives.
The visit marks the latest leg of Trump’s five-day Asia tour, which began in Malaysia, where he attended the 47th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and announced a series of trade and security agreements.
Before departing Kuala Lumpur, Trump praised Malaysia as a “great and very vibrant country” and confirmed the signing of several new bilateral trade agreements.
Earlier in the trip, the US president also took part in a ceremony marking the expanded ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia, a truce he said he had helped facilitate in July. Writing on Truth Social, Trump claimed the accord had “saved millions of lives,” describing it as a significant diplomatic success.
At the ASEAN–Republic of Korea Summit, held alongside the main leaders’ meeting in Kuala Lumpur, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung announced plans to bolster regional cooperation against organised and transnational crime.
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Lee said Seoul’s National Police Agency will intensify its partnership with ASEAN Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) to target criminal syndicates operating across borders, particularly online scam operations exploiting vulnerable youth.
“We intend to deepen investigative cooperation with ASEANAPOL to dismantle criminal networks and ensure serious offenders have nowhere to hide,” Lee said.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim echoed the call for closer ASEAN–Korea engagement, noting the need for shared strategies to navigate challenges tied to technological disruption, strategic competition, and fragile supply chains.
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ASEAN remains one of South Korea’s largest economic partners, with Seoul’s cumulative investment in the region now exceeding $8.5 billion. South Korean companies continue to play a central role in ASEAN’s industrial development, particularly in the automotive, steel, and electronics sectors.
Last year marked the 35th anniversary of ASEAN–Korea dialogue relations. Looking ahead, Lee announced that South Korea will host the ASEAN–ROK Commemorative Summit in 2029 to celebrate 40 years of partnership.
