South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper and First Lady Kristin Cooper are set to attend a White House State Dinner on Wednesday night honoring America’s relationship with Japan. The event, hosted by President Biden, will also be attended by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and his wife, Kishida Yuko, along with other members of the Japanese delegation.

Expressing his gratitude for the invitation, Governor Cooper stated, “Kristin and I appreciate President Biden’s invitation to attend the White House State Dinner honoring our nation’s relationship with Japan and we look forward to hosting Prime Minister and Mrs. Kishida in North Carolina as well.” He highlighted the importance of the alliance between the two countries, particularly in the current global climate of conflicts and tensions.

Following the State Dinner, Prime Minister and Mrs. Kishida will travel to North Carolina for a series of engagements that underscore the strong relationship between Japan and the state. This includes a visit to Toyota’s electric and hybrid battery plant in Randolph County and HondaJet in Guilford County. Additionally, First Lady Kristin Cooper will participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony with Mrs. Kishida at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, and both First Ladies will visit the North Carolina Museum of Science to view a historic Japanese Friendship Doll.

Governor Cooper's efforts to strengthen economic ties with Japan have been fruitful, with Japan being the largest source of foreign direct investment in North Carolina. His proactive engagement with Japanese leaders and employers has led to significant economic benefits for the state, particularly in industries such as aerospace, electric vehicles, and biotechnology.

This visit follows Governor Cooper’s previous trip to Tokyo in 2023 and his participation in the Southeast US/Japan Economic Partnership Conference. The Governor's commitment to fostering lasting relationships between North Carolina and Japanese business leaders continues to yield positive outcomes for the state's economy, exemplified by the upcoming historic State Lunch and various events planned during Prime Minister Kishida’s visit.