DeSantis meets Japan PM on 4-nation trade mission

The Governor of the US state of Florida Ron DeSantis met Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo as part of his four-nation trade mission. DeSantis’s tour is seen as an attempt by the expected Republican presidential candidate to improve his diplomatic profile.

During their meeting at the Prime Minister's Office, Kishida told DeSantis that reinforcement of Japan-US ties is key to ensuring the peace, stability, and prosperity of the international society, according to a Japanese Foreign Ministry statement.

DeSantis' trip, announced Thursday, also includes South Korea, Israel and the United Kingdom. He said it's aimed at strengthening economic relationships and demonstrating Florida’s position as an economic leader. During his two-day visit in Tokyo, DeSantis was also scheduled to hold talks with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and other officials. DeSantis is accompanied by his wife, Casey DeSantis, and state officials.