Donald Trump, Shinzo Abe discuss promoting free and open Indo-Pacific region

US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. (File/Photo)

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday spoke over phone with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discussed the importance of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, ahead of his maiden Asia trip next week. “Both leaders affirmed the importance of promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region and maintaining close coordination between the United States and Japan, and with the international community, to maximise pressure on North Korea,” the White House said in a readout of the call.

Trump heads to Asia on a 12-day trip on November 3 with Japan being his first stop. Thereafter, he would travel to South Korea, China, Vietnam and Philippines.