Florida governor praises Japan’s military buildup in meeting with PM Kishida

Tokyo, Apr 24 (EFE).- The governor of the US state of Florida, Ron DeSantis, on Monday praised Japan’s decision to boost its arms capabilities in its biggest military build-up since World War II.

“We very much praise your efforts to bolster your defenses. We understand there’s a tough neighborhood out here, with North Korea and the rise of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party),” DeSantis told Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo.

“We really believe that a strong Japan is good for America and a strong America is good for Japan so we commend you on that and we hope that our country will be there with you every step of the way,” he added, during the 40-minute meeting.

DeSantis, who is expected to run for president in 2024, said that Japan had been a “great ally” to the US for several decades and he was “excited” to be in the country to explore more relations between his state and Japan.

Kishida hoped that the American politician’s visit would “lead to further strengthening of Japan-US and Japan-Florida relations.”

He added that it was “important to strengthen Japan-US relations in order to ensure the peace, stability and prosperity of the international community,” according to a statement released by the Japanese foreign ministry.

The Florida governor is making a two-day visit to the archipelago with his wife, Casey, the first stop on a tour that will also take him to South Korea, Israel and the United Kingdom, and which is focused on business.

DeSantis recalled that Florida was “the fastest growing state in the United States” with an economy of over $1.2 trillion, the 13th largest in the world.

“So there are a lot of economic opportunities,” he said.

“We know that Japan has some of the best companies ever settled in business, so (…) we would like to expand that relationship,” the US governor said.

DeSantis also pointed out that there wasn’t a direct flight between Florida and Japan.

“Maybe we can do something about it, because we think there are great opportunities to be able to link the state of Florida with Japan,” he said. EFE

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