Japan PM Ishiba Seeks to Strengthen US Alliance in First Call with Biden, Reuters Reports

Japan’s new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, expressed his intention to enhance the nation’s alliance with the United States during his first phone call with President Joe Biden on Wednesday.

Ishiba noted that the conversation did not address the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which outlines the legal framework for U.S. military bases and personnel in Japan. Furthermore, he condemned Iran’s missile strikes against Israel and emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation in the Middle East.