Tokyo, Jan. 3 -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held a telephone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump late Friday, during which the two leaders agreed to move forward with plans for her visit to the United States in the spring, underscoring the importance of the bilateral partnership.

Speaking to reporters after the 25-minute call, Takaichi said she congratulated the United States on marking its 250th anniversary this year and described the discussion as wide-ranging, with a focus on the Japan-U.S. alliance. She noted that both leaders viewed the milestone year as an opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries, reported The Japan Times.

"Given this historic anniversary, President Trump and I shared ...