Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to address Congress in joint meeting
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to address a joint meeting of Congress a day after his government upgraded his country's security alliance with the U.S. and ahead of a trilateral leaders' summit with the U.S. and Philippines.
WASHINGTON — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to address a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, a day after his government upgraded his country's security alliance with the U.S. and ahead of a trilateral leaders' summit with the U.S. and Philippines.
Kishida is set to address both the House and Senate at 11 a.m. ET, marking only the second time that Japan's prime minister will formally deliver remarks to Congress. The first was Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2015, and the last address to lawmakers from a foreign leader was Israeli President Isaac Herzog in July 2023.
Vice President Kamala Harris will preside over the meeting Thursday.
Congressional leaders invited Kishida to speak to both chambers in early March, with Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., saying in a statement that it was part of an effort to lay "the foundation for collaboration in the years to come."
"Japan is a close ally — critical to both our national and economic security," added Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. "This visit will continue to deepen the diplomatic and security relationship between our two countries and build on the strength of decades of cooperation.”
Rating: 5