President Trump and first lady Melania welcomed Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife, Akie, to the president’s south Florida resort, over the February 10–11 weekend.

During the visit, the two leaders emphasized the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and Japan. “The bond between our two nations, and the friendship between our two peoples, runs very, very deep,” Trump said at the White House on February 10 before they flew together from Washington to Florida on Air Force One, the plane reserved for the president.

“This administration is committed to bringing those ties even closer. We are committed to the security of Japan and all areas under its administrative control, and to further strengthening our very crucial alliance,” Trump said.

Abe said, “The cornerstone of peace and prosperity in Asia Pacific, that is the strong Japan-U.S. alliance. And this is unwavering ties between our two countries. I and President Trump will work together to further strengthen our alliance. We have shared this strong resolve.”

Trump and Abe first met in New York City in November 2016; this was Abe’s first official visit to the United States with Trump as president.

“I just want everybody to understand and fully know that the United States of America stands behind Japan, its great ally, 100 percent.”

President Trump

The two also discussed improving trade between the U.S. and Japan and future Japanese investment in the U.S. Abe highlighted Japan’s high-speed train technology as something that could improve American infrastructure.

These talks build on recent engagement between the U.S. and Japan. Both countries have acknowledged the devastation caused during World War II, and Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis made a point of visiting Japan on his first trip abroad.

Abe is the second foreign dignitary to visit Trump since the president was sworn in on January 20.

Trump and Abe took the morning of February 11 to play golf.

The first ladies meanwhile toured the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, a cultural site founded by Japanese farmers in the early 20th century.

Abe and his wife returned to Japan on the evening of February 11.

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