Pool Reports by Steven Nelson, New York Post
| Sent: | Reports: |
| April 10, 2024 08:49 |
Pool Report 1/Gathered The pool and pre-credentialed press are on the south lawn awaiting the welcome ceremony for Japenese PM Kishida. |
| April 10, 2024 10:04 |
Pool Report 2/South Lawn President Biden emerged from the White House residence at 10:01. The welcome ceremony for Japanese PM Kishida is being streamed on the White House website. |
| April 10, 2024 10:08 |
Pool Report 3/Greeting participants The White House shares the following: The President and the First Lady are greeting Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Mrs. Kishida Yuko of Japan in an Official Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn. U.S. Delegation Japan Delegation |
| April 10, 2024 10:14 |
Pool Report 4/Anthems and troop review The Japanese and US national anthems were played by a military band on the South Lawn shortly after 10. The Japanese anthem was punctuated by loud blasts from what appeared to be a piece of military equipment pointed toward the White House midway to the Washington Monument. The blasts created a cloud of smoke. The American national anthem had no such percussion. Biden and Kishida then walked past US military service branch honor guards on the lawn. The leaders' remarks should begin shortly. |
| April 10, 2024 10:37 |
Pool Report 5/Remarks President Biden began his remarks on the lawn at 10:14, saying the US-Japan alliance "is truly a global partnership" and hailing Kishida for providing aid to Ukraine against Russia's invasion. Biden also praised Kishida for steps to "heal old wounds" with South Korea and recalled how the US and Japan "became the closest of friends" after fighting in World War II. Biden concluded and turned the lectern over to Kishida at 10:24. Kishida, speaking in Japanese, thanked Biden for the welcome and said he's pleased that a cherry tree previously planted in DC by his wife and Jill Biden is thriving. He said cherry trees in DC are symbols of the US-Japan relationship, which he said now features cooperation from outer space to the deep sea. He said the relationship would continue to grow and bloom, like the trees. Kishida's remarks ended at 10:32. The leaders walked up the stairs to the White House balcony, posed for a photo, then walked inside at 10:34. |
| April 10, 2024 10:51 |
Pool Report 6/Assange comment President Biden and PM Kishida at 10:48 walked down the colonnade to the Oval Office, where we are scheduled to have a pool spray shortly. "We're considering it," Biden said in response to a question about Australia's request that he end the prosecution of WikiLeaks publisher Julian Assange. |
| April 10, 2024 11:01 |
Pool Report 7/Oval remarks The pool entered the Oval Office at 10:51. President Biden spoke first, repeating themes from his lawn remarks. PM Kishida followed, ending at 10:58. Jake Sullivan and Antony Blinken stood behind the press during the opening pleasantries. The press was escorted out at 10:58. Biden answered one question as most reporters already were out the door, saying he was "still negotiating" a possible Israel-Hamas ceasefire. |
| April 10, 2024 11:19 |
Pool Report 8/Meeting participants The White House shares the following: The President is participating in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. U.S. Delegation Japan Delegation |
| April 10, 2024 11:26 |
Pool Report 9/Lunch lid We have a lunch lid until noon. |
| April 10, 2024 12:34 |
Pool Report 10/Gathering We are gathering for the Rose Garden press conference, a little behind schedule. |
| April 10, 2024 13:22 |
Pool Report 11/2 minute warning We have a two minute warning on the press conference, which will be streamed on the White House website. |
| April 10, 2024 13:55 |
Pool Report 12/Presser over President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida emerged from the West Wing at 1:20 for the Rose Garden press conference, which ended at 1:53. In his opening remarks, Biden said Iran is "threatening to launch a significant attack on Israel." Biden took questions on abortion, Ukraine, new monthly inflation data, the steel industry and Gaza, and addressed tensions involving China and North Korea. The White House sent the following: The President is participating in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan in the Rose Garden. U.S. Delegation Japan Delegation |
| April 10, 2024 16:12 |
Pool Report 13/Dinner lid We have a dinner lid until 5:50. |
| April 10, 2024 18:19 |
Pool Report 14/Gathered for dinner arrival The press has gathered to observe President Biden's North Portico welcome of Japanese PM Kishida ahead of the state dinner. |
| April 10, 2024 18:36 |
Pool Report 15/Photo op President Biden and first lady Jill Biden emerged on the North Portico at 6:30. PM Kishida's vehicle arrived a minute later and they walked inside at 6:33 after posing for a group photo. Biden said "thank you" in response to a shouted question about Iran potentially attacking Israel, but did not substantively respond to that question. |
| April 10, 2024 19:19 |
Pool Report 16/Staircase photo President Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his wife Yuko Kishida descended the Grand Staircase off the White House's Entrance Hall (coming from upstairs WH residence) at 7:13. The couples posed for photos near the stairwell before walking to the Blue Room. Biden didn't respond to a reporter's question about Iran potentially attacking Israel. And according to the First Lady's Office: The First Lady is wearing a hand-embroidered evening gown in sapphire ombre by Oscar de la Renta. |
| April 10, 2024 20:26 |
Pool Report 17/Dinner begins The pool neared the East Room at 7:59 coming from the Cross Hall, but we were turned around after standing at the entrance for about two minutes. There was almost no space for the press (due to dinner tables) and we were taken back to the Entrance Hall. At 8:05 President Biden and first lady Jill Biden walked into the East Room as a band played "Hail to the Chief." The press followed. Logistics were quite difficult. Videographers and photographers, many on ladders, could see into the room but most print reporters could only hear what was happening. Biden immediately gave brief introductory remarks and shared a story involving his former stutter uniting him with young students who have stutters (apparently in Japan). At 8:10, Biden led the room in a toast "to our alliance, to our friendship." PM Kishida, speaking in English (unlike earlier), also gave introductory remarks before leading a toast at 817. A photo snapped by a fellow pooler shows that Bill and Hillary Clinton were at the head table. Jeff Bezos, Jamie Dimon and Janet Yellen were arrayed at different tables, each one removed from the head table. |
| April 10, 2024 20:29 |
Pool Report 18/Info on dinner The White House shares the following: Joining the President and the First Lady at the Head Table: His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan & Mrs. Kishida Yuko Mr. Ayase Ms. Finnegan Biden Ms. Ikuta Lilas Mr. Robert De Niro & Ms. Tiffany Chen The Honorable Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina & Mrs. Kristin Cooper The Honorable Mark Macarro, Tribal Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians & Mrs. Holly Macarro The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton, 42ndPresident of the United States & The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th Secretary of State of the United States Mrs. Lynda Resnick & Mr. Stewart Resnick Ms. Cecile Richards & Mr. Kirk Adams Ms. Ilana Emanuel State Dinner MenuFirst Lady Jill Biden worked with White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford and White House Executive Pastry Chef Susie Morrison to develop the menu for the State Dinner. The dinner will be served on the State Service china of Presidents George W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson. First Course Main Course Dessert Wine American and Japanese Decor Elements First Lady Jill Biden and Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo worked with Bryan Rafanelli and Rafanelli Events to help create the design and guest experience for the dinner. The décor will feature design elements that honor the tradition and cultures of the United States and Japan, including:
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| April 10, 2024 22:13 |
Pool Report 19/Paul Simon The pool entered the State Dining Room at 9:58 for the night's entertainment with Paul Simon. Jeff Bezos sat front and center in the second row, immediately behind VP Kamala Harris. Naomi Biden sat next to him. President Biden entered at 10:02 and Simon took the stage one minute later as a guest's phone rang. He performed "Graceland" first. The pool was escorted out around 10:09 as Simon played "Slip Slidin' Away." |
| April 10, 2024 22:16 |
Pool Report 20/Lid We have a travel/photo lid. And the White House shares the following: Evening Entertainment Guests will enjoy musical selections by distinguished songwriter, recording artist, and philanthropist, Paul Simon; "The President's Own" United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra; the United States Army Strolling Strings; and the United States Air Force Strings |
Pool Reports below by Takaaki Abe, Nippon Television Network
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| April 10, 2024 08:16 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #1 (Background information on PM Kishida and his schedule) April 10, 2024 Good morning or Ohayo gozaimasu from the White House. My name is Taka Abe with Japan's Nippon Television. It's my pleasure to be your foreign pool reporter today covering Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's official visit to the Unites States. As a reminder, in 2019, Japan changed the way Japanese names are written in English in official documents by placing the family name first, the same way they are written in Japanese. So Kishida is the Prime Minister's family name, and Fumio is his fist name. While waiting for Prime Minister Kishida's arrival here, I would like to share some background information about his official visit to the White House. Mr. Kishida Fumio, 66, has been the Prime Minister of Japan since October 4, 2021. He was Minister of Foreign Affairs for about 4 years and 8 months, making him the longest-consecutively serving foreign minister in postwar history of Japan. In 2016, as foreign minister, Mr. Kishida helped actualize President Obama's historic visit to Hiroshima. Mr. Kishida is known for being an enthusiastic drinker. When he served as foreign minister, he reportedly competed with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to see how much vodka they could drink and still continue their diplomatic discussions. Mr. Kishida attended a public elementary school in Queens, New York from the 1st to 3rd grades when his father, a government trade official, was assigned to work in New York. He has joked in the past that he has a "hint of a New York accent." He has three sons with his wife, Yuko, who made a solo trip to the White House last April at the invitation of Dr. Biden. It was the first time that a spouse of the Prime Minister of Japan had done so. <PM Kishida's Schedule> PM Kishida is staying at Blair House while in DC. He is accompanied by 3 ministers, Foreign Minister Kamikawa, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Saito, and Education Minister Moriyama. According to Japanese and US government announcements and sources, PM Kishida's main schedule is below. Mon. April 8: Tue. April 9: Met with Brad Smith, Microsoft's Vice Chair and President, and had a lunch with U.S. business leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Had discussions with the next generation of leaders in U.S.-Japan relations at the Willard InterContinental Hotel Attended a tree planting ceremony for Daniel Inouye's 100th anniversary of birth at the Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II Arrived at the White House for a guest book signing and official gift exchange Had dinner with President Biden, Dr. Biden and his wife Yuko at BlackSalt Wed. April 10: PM Kishida also attends a cherry blossom tree planting ceremony with Deputy Secretary Campbell at the Tidal Basin in the afternoon. Thur. April 11: Fri. April 12: Sat. April 13: Sun. April 14: |
| April 10, 2024 08:20 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #2 (Agenda) April 10, 2024 According to NSA Jake Sullivan and Dr. Mira Rapp-Hopper, NSC Senior Director for East Asia and Oceania, some of deliverables we should expect from the Biden-Kishida meeting are below. 1: Announcement to bolster our defense and security cooperation to enable greater coordination and integration of our forces to ensure they are optimally postured and linked to one another 2: Major announcement on civic space cooperation as we lead the way on space exploration and returning to the Moon 3: Announcement on significant research partnerships in areas including AI, quantum, semiconductors, and clean energy 4: Highlighting Japan's role in global diplomacy and development 5: Announcement on important new initiatives to further foster cultural connections and promote closer people-people ties <Topics That May Be Discussed During the Meeting Between President Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida> Security Partnership: According to the Financial Times, President Biden and PM Kishida will announce "plans to restructure the U.S. military command in Japan to strengthen operational planning and exercises between the nations." When Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, participated in a discussion hosted by CNAS last week, he described the meeting as historic for the updating and massive modernization of the U.S.-Japan security partnership. Both leaders are expected to agree to strengthen military and weapons development cooperation between both countries. According to Dr. Campbell, what we will see during the meeting will be steps for the first time that will allow both countries to "work more collaboratively on joint development and potentially co-production of vital military defense equipment." He said these steps are "the most important developments on the global stage." Dr. Campbell also talked about a potential role for Japan in Pillar 2 component (focusing on the advanced capabilities) of the AUKUS, nuclear submarine co-production partnership by the United States, Great Britain, and Australia. Pillar1 focuses on submarines and nuclear propulsion programs. On Monday, AUKUS Defense Ministers released a joint statement and confirmed that they are considering cooperation with Japan in Pillar 2, advanced capability projects. Regional and Global Issues: President Biden and PM Kishida are expected to discuss about issues including North Korea, the Taiwan Strait, Russia/Ukraine, the Middle East, non-proliferation, etc. On North Korea, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, Yamada Shigeo, was recently asked about a potential breakthrough in Japan-North Korea relations during a discussion event hosted by CSIS. Amb. Yamada said that PM Kishida thinks if Japan can establish a productive relationship with North Korea, it will be beneficial to Japan, North Korea and to the region. According to Amb. Yamada, PM Kishida also thinks that we have to see if we can resolve all issues of concern such as missile, nuclear, and abduction issues, but recent statements from North Korea indicate that they are not ready to deal with those issues. Economy: Nippon Steel's bid for US Steel is not an agenda for both leaders as PM Kishida said "it is a matter for private companies" during an interview with a Japanese newspaper, the Nikkei Senior U.S. Administration Officials also said that both leaders will not discuss about US Steel. Both leaders are also expected to discuss and announce how to strengthen cooperation in advanced technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and semiconductors. Other Issues: Both leaders may discuss cooperation on space and cyberspace. On Monday, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel talked about placing a disaster relief depot center (hub) during an event hosted by CSIS. He said it will be a "real contribution" given the anticipated rise in the number of natural disasters going forward that both countries would need to respond to collectively. |
| April 10, 2024 08:25 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #3 (Past Biden-Kishida Meetings) April 10, 2024 According to both sides, past in-person meetings between President Biden and PM Kishida are below. Nov. 16, 2023 (San Francisco, California) Aug. 18, 2023 (Frederick County, Maryland) July 11-12, 2023 (Vilnius, Lithuania) May 18-21, 2023 (Hiroshima, Japan): Jan. 13, 2023 (Washington, D.C.): Nov. 13, 2022 (Phnom Penh, Cambodia): Sep. 21, 2022 (New York): June 29, 2022 (Madrid, Spain): June 27, 2022 (Schloss Elmau, Germany): May 22-24, 2022 (Tokyo, Japan): Nov. 2, 2021 (Glasgow, Scotland, UK): |
| April 10, 2024 08:30 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #4 (Background information about State/Official Visit) April 10, 2024 Although I can't find a formal explainer on the difference between a state visit and an official visit from government websites, in general, a state visit is for a head of state, and an official visit is a visit by a head of government. I also can't find formal definition of gun salute numbers and what they symbolize for foreign dignitary visits, but in general, a 21 gun salute is for a state visit and a 19 gun salute is for an official visit. Since Japanese Prime Minister Kishida is not a head of state (the Emperor of Japan is), this is his official visit to the United States, which includes a state dinner. According to the White House, President Biden has hosted 3 state visits and an official visit as listed below, making PM Kishida the fifth foreign leader that President Biden has hosted as a state guest since taking office in January 2021. Four out of five of the state guests have been Quad members, underscoring the U.S. focus on Indo-Pacific security partnerships. Oct.25, 2023 (Official visit (including a state dinner) by Prime Minister Albanese of Australia): President Biden and Dr. Biden hosted PM Albanese and Ms. Jodie Haydon of Australia at the White House for dinner the previous night. At the state dinner, PM Albanese said "I only have one regret about tonight, which is I'm not quite sure how I top this for date night with Jodie at any time, anywhere in the future." They got engaged on Valentine's Day this year. June 22, 2023 (Official State visit by Prime Minister Modi of India): President Biden and Dr. Biden hosted PM Modi at the White House for dinner the previous night. At the state dinner, PM Modi recalled his 2014 trip to the United States. He joked how then-Vice President Biden was concerned and wanted him to eat at a banquet when he was on a religious fast. PM Modi said "Well, today I'm making up for it." April 26, 2023 (State visit by President Yoon of South Korea): President Biden and Dr. Biden visited the Korean War Memorial with President Yoon and his wife Mrs. Kim the previous night. During the post-state dinner entertainment, President Yoon accepted a microphone from President Biden and sang a verse of "American Pie" after President Biden encouraged him to do so. The audience gave the singer a big applause at the end. Dec. 1, 2022 (State visit by President Macron of France): President Biden and Dr. Biden dined with President Macron and Mrs. Brigitte Macron at Fiola Mare the previous night after attending the National Christmas Tree Lighting. At the state dinner, President Macron emphasized how France and the United States shared same values and principles and said "this is how to build our future and how to work together for climate, to fight against inequality, for inclusive societies, to unify our nations." According to the New York Times, President Biden stayed late sipping soda and chatting with President Macron until 12:30am. |
| April 10, 2024 09:10 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #4A (Background information about State/Official Visit) April 10, 2024 One correction. "Four out of five of the state guests have been Quad members" should be"three (Japan, Australia, and India) out of five (Japan, Australia, India, South Korea and France) of the state guests have been Quad members" |
| April 10, 2024 08:33 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #5 (Background information about Joint Session/Meeting) April 10, 2024 Since Japanese Prime Minister Kishida will visit the U.S. Capitol tomorrow, here is some background information about the visit. He will be the first Japanese prime minister to address Congress since April 2015 when the late Prime Minister Abe delivered a speech titled "Toward an Alliance of Hope" PM Kishida said during an interview with a Japanese newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun that his address to Congress will show "the general direction of the future that Japan and the United States are trying to leave for the next generation." According to a joint statement from the 'Big Four' Congressional leaders, the visit "symbolizes both nations' commitment to peace and prosperity and to an international community that promotes democracy, security, and stability." PM Kishida will address a Joint Meeting of Congress, not a Joint Session. According to Senate, joint sessions typically are held to hear an address from the President of the United States or to count electoral votes. Joint meetings typically are held to hear an address from a foreign dignitary or visitors other than the President. Here is a list of foreign leaders who have addressed Joint Meeting of Congress during the Biden-Harris Administration. July 19, 2023: President Herzog of Israel June 22, 2023: PM Modi of India April 27, 2023: President Yoon of South Korea Dec. 21, 2022: President Zelensky of Ukraine May 17, 2022: PM Mitsotakis of Greece |
| April 10, 2024 10:34 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #6 (Official Arrival Ceremony) April 10, 2024 Japanese PM Kishida and his wife Yuko arrived at the South Lawn portico and exited their vehicle at 10:02 am. They were greeted by POTUS and FLOTUS. The two couples went over to the dignitaries from both countries to shake hands and exchange a few words. After POTUS and PM Kishida walked on the stage, the Japanese national anthem, Kimi Ga Yo, was played followed by the U.S. national anthem, as a 19 gun salute was fired. POTUS delivered his remarks first followed by PM Kishida who delivered his remarks in Japanese. There was consecutive interpretation for both remarks. PM Kishida talked about cherry blossom (sending 250 new cherry trees), U.S. Japan relationships, global partnerships, U.S. Japan alliance as Sakura no Kizuna etc. As usual, please check against the official transcript. After the remarks, POTUS and PM Kishida along with their wives went up the stairs and waved from the balcony. The two couples went inside the White House at 10:35 am. The official arrival ceremony was open press and it was live streamed at https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/ Please also see the following information from the White House. The President and the First Lady are greeting Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Mrs. Kishida Yuko of Japan in an Official Arrival Ceremony on the South Lawn. U.S. Delegation Japan Delegation |
| April 10, 2024 10:50 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #7 (Colonnade Walk) April 10, 2024 POTUS and Japanese PM Kishida walked down the Colonnade and entered the Oval Office at 10:49am. |
| April 10, 2024 11:14 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #8 (Bilat) April 10, 2024 Pool was led into the Oval Office at 10:51 am for a pool spray at the top of POTUS and Japanese PM Kishida bilat meeting. First POTUS spoke, and PM Kishida spoke in Japanese afterward. There was consecutive interpretation for both remarks. It was hard to hear, but her are PM Kishida's rough remarks per an English translation. As usual, please check against the official transcript. Thank you so much Joe for those very kind words of welcome. And I'm very grateful to be invited to the United States for this official visit.Thank you so much for those very kind words of welcome. And I'm very grateful to be invited to the United States for this official visit. I are sincerely grateful for the warm hospitality extended advice to you and Dr. Biden. Up until now, Joe and I have had countless dialogues. And we have nurtured a friendship and a trust along the way. Japan and the United States are now at the forefront in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Japan and the United States are also indispensable now to each other in driving the sustainable and inclusive economic growth as well. Through this official visit, I look forward to confirming the robust bond between our two nations and demonstrate at home and abroad how Japan and the US firmly bound together we will build a future as global partners so once again, I thank you for your warm hospitality. Both leaders did not respond to shouted questions from the pool including your foreign pooler. Your pool was ushered out at 10:58am. Please also see the following information from the White House. The President is participating in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan. U.S. Delegation |
| April 10, 2024 14:22 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #9 (Joint Presser) April 10, 2024 POTUS and Japanese PM Kishida held a joint press conference in the Rose Garden from 1:23pm to 1:53pm. It was open press, and live streamed at https://www.whitehouse.gov/live/ There was simultaneous interpretation for both leaders' remarks. Per English translation, Here are some highlights from PM Kishida's remarks and answers. President Biden and I have met and talked countless times and confirmed our shared notion that we are at the crossroads and that Japan has been leading the international community that is at a historic turning point in order for Japan, the US, the Indo Pacific region, and for that matter, the whole world to enjoy peace, stability, and prosperity into the future. We must resolutely defend and further solidify a free and open international order based on the rule of law. I explained that based on our national security strategy, Japan is determined to strengthen our defense force through acquisition of counter strike capabilities, increase our defense budget and other initiatives and was reassured by President Biden of his strong support for such efforts. In such context, we confirmed again, the urgency to further bolster the deterrence and response capabilities of our alliances and Concord are reinforcing our security and defense cooperation to increase interoperability between the US forces and our self-defense forces including the improvement of our respective command and control frameworks. We will be discussing the specifics as we plan for the next Japan us two plus two. The President and I went on to discuss various specific challenges faced by the international community. *we confirmed that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion is absolutely unacceptable wherever it may be. At the same time, we confirmed the importance of continuing our dialogue with China and cooperating with China on common challenges. We also underscored the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan streets and confirmed opposition to encourage peaceful resolution of the cross streets issue. *The situation in North Korea including nuclear and missiles development was brought up as well. We welcomed the progress seen in many areas of cooperation based on the outcome of the Japan US ROK summit last August and Concur to coordinate even more closely as we face serious concerns under the current state of affairs. President Biden once again demonstrated this strong support towards the immediate resolution of the abduction issue. *We reaffirmed the importance of realizing a free and open Indo Pacific based on the rule of law, maintaining close collaboration through various opportunities, including the Japan US Philippines Summit, which is planned for tomorrow *On Russia's aggression of Ukraine, based on a recognition that Ukraine today may be East Asi tomorrow I expressed a resolution to continue with stringent sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine and we can maintain close partnership with like minded countries. *On the situation in the Middle East, I expressed my respect for the efforts of President Biden on the release of the hostages, improvement of the humanitarian situation and for calming down with that situation. I then explained how Japan is continuing diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation and to realize a sustainable ceasefire and agreed to continue close the equation towards the improvement of the situation the realisation of a two state solution and the stabilized vision regarding the economy. *On economy, I explained how the Japanese businesses are making a significant contribution to the US economy by the investment and the creation of jobs, to which President Biden, agreed. *On space, the implementing arrangement has been signed on this occasion and the provision of the lunar rover by Japan and the addition of two astronauts flight opportunities to the lunar surface to Japan, we're confident under the Artemis program I welcome the lunar landing by a Japanese astronaut as the first non US astronaut. *We also discussed the efforts towards a world without nuclear weapons Q:Mr. Prime Minister, you said that a Nippon steel/US Steel matter is a private matter, but did you discuss the matter today with President Biden? A: We understand that discussions are underway between the parties. We hope these discussions will unfold in directions that would be positive for both sides. Japan believes that appropriate procedures based on law is being implemented by the US government. Q: At the summit, you confirmed your strong objections against unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion by China and agreed on reinforcing response capabilities. Under current circumstances should Japan and the United States bolster defense capabilities China may become more preoccupied in military and intensify its coercive behavior. A: At this summit, we confirm that the United States and Japan will resolutely defend and bolster a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and Japan and the United States as global partners shall work together. We concurred that Japan and the United States as global partners shall work in close coordination and also as I said previously, we will continue our dialogue with China. And we will cooperate with China in tackling common challenges, and that the President and I confirmed the importance of such dialogue as well. Q:Is there a path for Japan to become a full member of AUKUS? A: We want to contribute to the peace and stability of the region and therefore we have consistently supported AUKUS. Nothing has been decided at this moment going forward with US, UK and Australia Q: What did you tell President Biden about the outlook of the Japan-DPRK summit? A: We have agreed to continue close coordination, and on top of that, we concurred that the window of a discussion with North Korea is open, and we discussed that Japan, US and ROK will continue to work closely together. I also asked for the continued understanding and cooperation for the immediate resolution of the abduction issue, and President Biden once again gave myself a very strong assurance. My policy is to aim before a summit meeting with North Korea to resolve various issues and with advanced high level consultation directly on my instruction and that remains on changed. That is my response. As usual, please check against the official transcript. Please also see the following information from the White House. The President is participating in a joint press conference with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan in the Rose Garden. U.S. Delegation Japan Delegation |
| April 10, 2024 15:45 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #10 (Official Timeline Until Early Afternoon) April 10, 2024 According to the Japanese side, here is the official timeline as of now. 10:05-10:33am: Official arrival ceremony 10:52am-12:19pm Bilat meeting between POTUS and PM Kishida 01:23-01:52pm: Joint press conference between both leaders 03:01-03:20pm: Cherry blossom tree planting ceremony attended by PM Kishida |
| April 10, 2024 18:39 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #11 (The Kishidas Return) April 10, 2024 Japanese PM Kishida and his wife Yuko arrived back at the White House. Their vehicle arrived at the North Portico at 6:32pm. They were greeted by POTUS and FLOTUS. Mrs Kishida was dressed in a flowing royal blue dress with a black belt and black floral embellishments on her neckline. PM Kishida wore a tuxedo. The two couples shook hands, and posed for a photo. They went inside the White House afterward. |
| April 10, 2024 19:14 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #12 (Grand Staircase Photo Op) April 10, 2024 Japanese PM Kishida, his wife Yuko, POTUS and FLOTUS came down from the stairs at 7:13 pm. The two couples posed for a photo and walked into the Blue Room at 7:14pm. |
| April 10, 2024 20:43 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #13 (Toast Remarks at State Dinner) April 10, 2024 Pool was led into the East Room at 7:58 pm for a pool spray of the state dinner and pushed back to outside. POTUS, FLOTUS, PM Kishida, and Mrs. Kishida entered the East Room at 8:04 pm. Pool entered the East Room right after them. First POTUS spoke, and PM Kishida spoke in English afterward. Here are some highlights from PM Kishida's remarks. My protocol staff told me that no one had ever complained that my speech was too short and this is probably good advice. So I will keep my speech short. My wife Yuko told me that it was hard to tell who the guest of honor is. So I was relieved when it was shown to my seat right next to the President. Last year, President Biden and Dr. Biden visited my hometown Hiroshima to attend the G7 Summit. The largest number of Japanese immigrants to the United States came from Hiroshima. The late Senator Daniel Inouye's mother also came from Hiroshima. "The Pacific Ocean does not separate Japan and the United States. Rather, it unites us." These are the words that President Kennedy sent to Prime Minister Ikeda also from Hiroshima at the state luncheon held at the White House about 60 years ago. I like this line. I use it so many times that my staff tried to delete it. However, there is nothing that expresses our relationship as visibly as this. Japan and the United States than ever before. We are now standing at the turning point in history, embarking on a new frontier led this unshakeable Japan U.S. relationship to even greater heights and hand it to the next generation. Finally, let be concluded with the line from Star Trek. "Which you all go to boldly go where no one has done before." George Takei who played Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise has also rooted in Hiroshima. As usual, please check against the official transcript. Your pool was ushered out at 8:18 pm Please also see the following information from the White House. Joining the President and the First Lady at the Head Table: His Excellency Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan & Mrs. Kishida Yuko Mr. Ayase Ms. Finnegan Biden Ms. Ikuta Lilas Mr. Robert De Niro & Ms. Tiffany Chen The Honorable Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina & Mrs. Kristin Cooper The Honorable Mark Macarro, Tribal Chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians & Mrs. Holly Macarro The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton, 42ndPresident of the United States & The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton, 67th Secretary of State of the United States Mrs. Lynda Resnick & Mr. Stewart Resnick Ms. Cecile Richards & Mr. Kirk Adams Ms. Ilana Emanuel State Dinner Menu First Course Main Course Dessert Wine American and Japanese Decor Elements First Lady Jill Biden and Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo worked with Bryan Rafanelli and Rafanelli Events to help create the design and guest experience for the dinner. The décor will feature design elements that honor the tradition and cultures of the United States and Japan, including:
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| April 10, 2024 20:50 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #14 (Japanese dignitaries at State Dinner) April 10, 2024 It was very hard to spot Japanese dignitaries, but your foreign pool spotted YOASOBI at the head table. YOASOBI: A popular J-pop duo, Ayase and Ikuta Lilas aka Ikura. Your foreign pool is not really familiar with YOASOBI, and is grateful to his well-informed wife, Mineko Tokito Abe, who is also a member of the White House press corps. According to her, YOASOBI has many mega hit songs including Idol, Yoru Ni Kakeru, Gunjou, etc and their music is ubiquitous all over Japan. Idol ranked No. 7 on the U.S. Billboard Global 200, which is the highest ranking a Japanese artist has ever achieved in the chart's history. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkjSfZ30GM4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRtdQ81jPUQ YOASOBI will perform at Coachella, a wellknown annual music and arts festival, later this month in CA. |
| April 10, 2024 22:27 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #15 (Entertainment Reception) April 10, 2024 Pool was led into the State Dining Room at 9:57 pm for a pool spray for the entertainment portion of the reception. POTUS, FLOTUS, Japanese PM Kishida and Mrs. Kishida entered the room at 10:01 pm. They didn't make remarks. Paul Simon performed" Graceland" and "Slip Slidin' Away" Again, it was hard to spot Japanese dignitaries, but your foreign pool spotted Masayoshi Son, billionaire entrepreneur and founder, president, and CEO of Softbank. Please also see the following information from the White House. Evening Entertainment Guests will enjoy musical selections by distinguished songwriter, recording artist, and philanthropist, Paul Simon; "The President's Own" United States Marine Band Chamber Orchestra; the United States Army Strolling Strings; and the United States Air Force Strings Your pool was ushered out at 10:09 pm |
| April 10, 2024 22:39 |
POTUS Foreign Pool Report #16 (Lid) April 10, 2024 There is no updated official timeline from the Japanese side, and we have a travel/photo lid at 10:12 pm. Have a good evening to all or Oyasumi nasai. |
Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Pool Reports of April 10, 2024 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/371173