Japan's government says final arrangements are underway to hold a summit with the United States on Thursday if circumstances permit.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu spoke on Monday about the US government's announcement that President Joe Biden will arrive in Japan on Thursday to attend the Group of Seven summit in Hiroshima and have talks with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.
Matsuno said Japan hopes to closely cooperate with the US to demonstrate the G7's strong will to defend the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
He also said Japan plans to hold a trilateral summit with the US and South Korea on the sidelines of the G7 to deepen discussions on regional security.
He stressed the importance of bolstering deterrence and response capabilities at a time when the regional security environment is becoming increasingly serious due in part to North Korea's continuing provocations.