Trump to visit Japan in May, meet PM, new emperor

WASHINGTON

U.S. President Donald Trump will travel to Japan next month to meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the newly enthroned emperor, the White House said Friday.

Trump and his wife Melania will "travel to Japan from May 25 to 28, 2019, as the country’s first state guests following the enthronement of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito on May 1," it said in a statement.

After meeting with the emperor, Trump will participate in a bilateral meeting with Abe, according to the statement, which said the visit will "deepen the close bonds between the American and Japanese people".

Before his visit, Trump will welcome Abe and his wife Akie at the White House on April 26-27.

The meeting will focus on the denuclearization of North Korea and bilateral trade and investment, said the statement.