Outgoing Japanese PM Fumio Kishida Plans U.S. Visit for U.N. General Assembly

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is planning to visit the U.S. in late September for the U.N. General Assembly and possibly meet President Joe Biden. This visit might occur after the Japanese parliament chooses Kishida's replacement as the new prime minister.

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is finalizing plans to visit the U.S. in late September for the U.N. General Assembly and a possible meeting with President Joe Biden, according to a report by the Yomiuri newspaper on Saturday.

The visit is expected to last several days, beginning on Sept. 22. This information comes from multiple government sources, although the Japanese Foreign Ministry has not confirmed any details yet.

Kishida has withdrawn from the leadership race for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, meaning he will step down as prime minister when his term ends in late September. The date for the LDP election is still undecided, with a possibility of it occurring as early as Sept. 20. If so, Kishida would likely address the General Assembly after his replacement is chosen.

Some Japanese government officials believe it would be unwise for Kishida's successor to establish close ties with President Biden, who will leave office in January. Biden was replaced as the Democratic Party nominee in November's U.S. presidential election by Vice President Kamala Harris, who is set to face Republican candidate, former President Donald Trump.

(With inputs from agencies.)