Japan’s foreign minister has announced his intention to participate in the inauguration of Trump

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced on Sunday his intention to attend Donald Trump‘s inauguration as U.S. president on January 20. This move reflects Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration’s desire to strengthen its relationship with the United States, a key security partner.

Iwaya expressed his commitment to fostering a trusting relationship with the Trump administration during a discussion on NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster. He also mentioned his plans to meet with Senator Marco Rubio, who has been nominated as secretary of state.

Additionally, both India and Australia confirmed that their foreign ministers would participate in the inauguration ceremony as Trump resumes his presidency. This will mark Iwaya’s inaugural visit to the U.S. since assuming his role as foreign minister in October. Japan, a longstanding ally of the U.S. that enjoyed a positive rapport with Trump during his previous term, is eager to establish a solid foundation for his second term.

Reports from Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun indicate that Ishiba is considering a trip to the U.S. as early as February to meet with Trump for the first time. Iwaya aims to engage with other senior officials from the incoming administration to facilitate Ishiba’s visit.

Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will attend the inauguration at the invitation of the Trump team and plans to meet with members of the new administration, according to a statement from his ministry. Penny Wong, the foreign minister of Australia, also confirmed her attendance, describing the event as a significant opportunity to enhance the benefits of their robust economic and security partnership and to explore avenues for increased cooperation.

Australia’s center-left Labor government has expressed confidence in its partnership with the United States, the nation’s primary security ally, in light of the forthcoming Republican administration. According to Japan’s Nikkei business daily, Australia, India, Japan, and the United States—collectively known as the Quad security group—are making plans for a four-way foreign ministers’ meeting in Washington following Trump’s inauguration.

China has criticized the Quad as a strategy to encircle it and escalate tensions, while the four member countries assert that they are aligned democracies aiming to enhance stability in the Indo-Pacific region.