Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru / It was very meaningful that, without much time from last week's exchange, we had a really frank exchange of views in an open atmosphere. It led to a further deepening of our understanding of mutual ideas.

The phone meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and US counterpart Donald Trump on May 29 came a week after the previous one that took place on May 23.

The one on May 29 was requested by Ishiba, and lasted 25 minutes.

Ishiba said that he conveyed Japan’s perspectives on the so-called Trump tariffs, and is believed to have reiterated his request for the elimination of additional tariffs on automobiles and other items.

The two leaders confirmed that the cabinet ministers in charge will proceed discussions on tariffs.

The Japanese leader is making arrangements to meet directly with Trump at the G7 summit in Canada in June.

He also said that the face-to-face meeting may come before that if necessary.