Trump calls US-Japan relationship a ‘treasured alliance’ at state dinner

President Trump at state dinner in Japan on Monday called the relationship between Washington and Tokyo a “treasured alliance.”

The Imperial Household Orchestra played “The Star Spangled Banner” at the event and the crowd at the dinner toasted and clapped, according to a reporter traveling with the president. 

Trump, reading from a folder, said he was “profoundly honored” and cited ancient Japanese texts. {mosads}

“Good evening. We are profoundly honored to return to Japan as your nation’s first state guests following the enthronement of his majesty the emperor,” he said, referring to Emperor Naruhito’s recent coronation. “We thank the people of Japan for their incredible hospitality and warm welcome in this majestic land.”

After the president’s speech, the orchestra played Japan’s national anthem. 

According to the White House, the six-course dinner featured consommé a la royale, turbot a la meunière sauce tomate, cote de boeuf rotie, salade de saison, glace Mont Fuji and a dessert of melon and grapes.

At a press conference before the state dinner, President Trump differed from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on North Korea. Trump said that he was not “personally” bothered by the hermit nation’s missile testing, but Abe said the tests were “of great regret” and violated a United Nations Security Council resolution.