WASHINGTON — Congressional leaders have invited Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to address a joint session of Congress on April 11, saying the U.S.-Japan relationship has proven to be a force for good and a catalyst for prosperity.
The leaders said global threats are jeopardizing the peace and prosperity the U.S. and Japan have worked to build, making the relationship between the two nations as important as ever.
“It is our belief that our shared commitment to defense and democracy can lead to a future characterized by stability and security,” the invitation said. “Together, our leadership can play an important role in strengthening our partnership, and we believe a joint address would pave the way for greater cooperation in the years to come, both in the Indo-Pacific and around the world.”
“We would be honored to welcome you to this historic event, which celebrates the friendship between Japan and the United States, and to hear your views on the future of our two countries,” it added.
The invitation came from House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Joint meetings are typically held to hear a speech from foreign dignitaries.
Johnson said in a separate statement that the invitation “lays the foundation for collaboration in the years to come.” Schumer, meanwhile, said the visit “builds on the strength of decades of collaboration.”
Kishida is struggling with declining popularity ratings at home as his ruling party faces a corruption scandal centered on raising political funds through party event tickets purchased by individuals, companies and organizations. Kishida has apologized even though he is not at the center of the scandal.