Tokyo: The new US ambassador to Japan discussed US President Donald Trump's tariffs with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on Tuesday, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry. Ishiba and George Glass 'exchanged views on current Japan-US relations, including US tariff measures,' a ministry statement said. Glass, a real estate developer from the US state of Oregon, assumed his post as ambassador to Japan on Friday. According to Anadolu Agency, during their meeting, Ishiba emphasized that the 'Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and security' and expressed hope to further strengthen ties. Glass echoed the sentiment, highlighting that the 'Japan-US alliance is the most important alliance' and committed to cooperating to further strengthen bilateral relations. Both sides agreed on the necessity for Japan and the US to enhance their deterrence and response capabilities while minimizing the impact on local communities. Ishiba noted on Monday that Trump 'values' talks with Jap an, following Trump's meeting last week with Japanese Economy Minister Akazawa Ryosei at the White House. Ryosei was the first foreign trade negotiator hosted by Trump after the president announced a 90-day reprieve for all countries except China to negotiate tariff agreements with the US. Although the talks did not result in a breakthrough, Ryosei indicated that the US aims to reach a deal within the 90-day window, warning that Japan could face tariffs of up to 24% on its exports to the US if negotiations fail. Currently, a 10% baseline tariff remains in effect. On Tuesday, Ryosei expressed that any tariff agreement with the US should serve Japan's national interest, stating, 'The final conclusion must be a package that does not cause any loss to our country,' as quoted by Japanese public broadcaster NHK. Premier Ishiba also plans to visit Vietnam and the Philippines on a four-day tour beginning April 27, aiming to enhance economic cooperation with Southeast Asian countries. Japanese media reported on Tues day that Ishiba will send a letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, hoping to shield Japan from the impact of an escalating trade war between China and the US. The letter will be delivered by Tetsuo Saito, the chief of the ruling party's junior coalition partner Komeito, during his three-day visit to Beijing from Tuesday, where he is expected to meet the head of the International Department of the Chinese Communist Party and other Chinese officials.