Japan PM Ishiba says disagreements remain with US on tariff talks
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba holding a press conference after the Group of Seven leaders' summit in Canada on June 17.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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CALGARY – Japan's Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said his country has not reached a comprehensive tariff agreement with the United States as some disagreements persist between the two nations.
Mr Ishiba, talking to reporters after the Group of Seven leaders' summit in Canada on June 17, emphasised the importance of securing a trade deal that benefits both countries while safeguarding Japan's national interests.
Mr Ishiba, who was at his first G-7 summit as prime minister, held tariff talks with US President Donald Trump on June 16,
Mr Ishiba said US tariff measures were impacting the earnings of many Japanese companies, including those in the automobile sector, while causing a significant impact on the global economy.
"Both Japan and the United States have continued sincere discussions, exploring the possibility of an agreement until the last moment," he said. But Mr Ishiba added that there still remain points of disagreement between the two sides.
Mr Ishiba's news conference in Calgary, Canada was held following a gathering of G-7 leaders at the nearby Kananaskis mountain resort in the Canadian Rockies.
He also met other leaders for bilateral talks, including his first meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Japanese leader also discussed security relations with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung before heading back to Tokyo.
The summit ended without a joint statement of support from the group for Ukraine, after Mr Trump expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin and left the event a day early to address the Israel-Iran conflict.
On the Middle East, Mr Ishiba said he had told G-7 leaders that Iran's nuclear development was "never tolerable" while stressing the importance of diplomatic efforts through dialogue.
He added that he will participate in the Nato summit in the Netherlands next week. REUTERS
