Tokyo: During his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday, potential US presidential candidate Ron DeSantis praised bilateral ties and the concept of a "strong Japan."

The Florida governor is seeking to bolster his reputation in foreign policy ahead of an expected later this year official announcement that he will seek the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. The trip is a part of a four-country trade mission.

At the beginning of their meeting at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, DeSantis told Kishida, "We really appreciate what a great ally Japan has been to the US for many, many decades."

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In response to a rising China and North Korea's increased missile launches, Japan last year unveiled a five-year, $315 billion military expansion, a move that DeSantis applauded.

We heartily commend your efforts to strengthen your defences. We recognise that this is a difficult neighbourhood, but we firmly believe that both Japan and America are better off with a strong Japan.

On Monday night, DeSantis met with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and expressed his desire for Japan and Florida to strengthen their economic ties.

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Before a working dinner with Hayashi, DeSantis stated, "We believe Florida's market is a great opportunity for additional investment from Japanese companies," adding that he hoped to see more Japanese investment in Florida specifically.

You are the top foreign direct investment in America, which is something we appreciate, but you are only ranked number six in Florida, so I think we can increase that, he said.

After leaving Japan, DeSantis will travel to South Korea, Israel, and the United Kingdom.

The US Republican Party won't formally select its 2020 presidential nominee until its national convention in August of that year. 

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The first presidential debate, however, won't be held for a little over three months, and already, several Republicans have started their campaigns. 

Over the next few weeks, more are anticipated to join.

Some Republicans say it might be later than DeSantis thinks for DeSantis, who has operated for much of the year with a quiet confidence that he could enter the race on his terms.