Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described Donald Trump as a “trustworthy leader” after meeting the US president-elect on Thursday to get clarity on statements Trump had made while campaigning that had caused concern about the alliance.
Abe, speaking after the hastily arranged 90-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan, told reporters: “The talks made me feel sure that we can build a relationship of trust.” But he would not disclose specifics because the conversation was unofficial.
Trump, in a brief entry on his Facebook page accompanied by a photo of the two men, said: “It was a pleasure to have Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stop by my home and begin a great friendship.”
Japan is one of Washington’s closest allies, but Trump alarmed Tokyo during the campaign by musing about pulling the thousands of US troops from the region, and suggesting that officially pacifist Japan may need nuclear weapons.
Trump also vowed while campaigning to tear up the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a proposed trade pact backed by outgoing Democratic President Barack Obama and which Abe had made a top priority.
Also at the meeting with Abe was Trump’s model-turned-business executive daughter Ivanka and her husband, real estate developer and publisher Jared Kushner.
The presence of the couple, who have emerged as key advisers, underscores the family’s influence as the president-elect readies to take power.
Trump yesterday headed to his exclusive golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, transition officials said, a location that offers more seclusion and comes amid complaints about the congestion in front of Trump Tower on New York’s bustling Fifth Avenue.
Trump, who has been interviewing Republican operatives for top cabinet posts, appeared to be zeroing-in on staunch supporters but also considering former rivals.
The president-elect has offered the role of national security adviser to retired general Michael Flynn, a military intelligence officer and staunch campaign loyalist, several US media outlets reported late Thursday, citing transition team sources.
It was unknown if Flynn has accepted the job, which does not require Senate confirmation.
A former director of the Defence Intelligence Agency in 2012-2014, Flynn was sharply critical of Obama administration policies.
Flynn however was ousted from that job amid reports of an abrasive management style and clashes with senior officials.
During the campaign his vocal support for Trump gave the businessman credibility with veterans despite the billionaire’s lack of military service.
And at the Republican National Convention, Flynn led chants of “Lock her up!” -  calling for Democrat Hillary Clinton to be imprisoned.
Trump also met with Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama and hinted that he would offer him a prime position.
Sessions was one of Trump’s earliest supporters.
Trump is set to meet over the weekend with one of his harshest Republican critics, Mitt Romney, and may be considering him for secretary of state, MSNBC and CNN reported.
Romney, who lost to Obama in 2012, had described Trump as vulgar, dishonest and out of line with US values, rebuking the tycoon for proposals such as banning the entry of all foreign Muslims.
If chosen Romney would bring a more orthodox Republican worldview to foreign policy.
In 2012 Romney described Russia as the top geopolitical threat - a sharp contrast to Trump, who has exchanged compliments with President Vladimir Putin.
Earlier reports said Trump was considering South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, an Indian-American woman who would inject rare diversity into his team.
Haley visited Trump Tower on Thursday but did not speak to reporters.
Another possible State Department pick is former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, a longtime Trump supporter who would likely face tough Senate scrutiny over controversial business dealings.
Pentagon and State Department officials said that Trump’s team had reached out on the transition, easing concerns of critics who note Trump’s lack of governing experience.