After a quickly arranged 90-minute meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan, Abe expressed to reporters that he was confident in the possibility of establishing a trusting relationship following the talks. However, he did not reveal specific details of the conversation as it was an unofficial meeting. The discussion took place at a time when Japan's leadership was concerned about the future strength of their alliance with the United States, which is crucial to Tokyo's diplomacy and security. Abe and other Asian leaders were troubled by Trump's campaign promises to make allies contribute more financially to US forces, his suggestion that Japan should consider obtaining nuclear weapons, and his strong opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement. The incoming Republican president will take office on Jan 20, succeeding the current Democratic President Barack Obama. Abe described his conversation with Trump as honest and friendly, saying that alliances rely on trust and he believes Trump is a reliable leader. He agreed to meet with Trump again to discuss a wider range of topics in more detail, but it is uncertain if this meeting will take place before Trump is inaugurated. Kellyanne Conway stated that any further discussions on policy and the relationship between Japan and the United States will have to wait until after the inauguration. Trump officials did not provide an immediate comment after meeting with Abe. Abe, an experienced lawmaker, previously collaborated with Obama on the TPP trade agreement involving 12 nations, a key component of Obama's strategy to counter China's growing influence and a cornerstone of Abe's economic reforms. During their meeting, Abe and Trump exchanged golfing equipment as gifts, as stated by a Japanese government report. Photos from the meeting at Trump Tower's lavish conference room showed Abe, an interpreter, Trump, Ivanka, Jared Kushner, and Retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn. Regarding administration appointments, a senior Trump official stated on Thursday that Flynn had been offered the role of national security adviser. It was uncertain if Flynn had accepted the job, but someone familiar with the offer told Reuters that when the president-elect asks you to serve, there is only one answer. The incoming Trump administration is getting ready to take office on Jan 20, with the Defense Department expected to conduct its first military briefing for Trump transition officials on Friday. Other Obama administration agencies, such as the Justice Department, are also taking similar steps. Trump, a bold outsider with no previous public office experience, has been focused on determining who will fill senior positions in his administration since winning the election. Democrats in Congress continued to criticize Trump's controversial choice of right-wing firebrand Stephen Bannon as senior counsellor. A spokesperson for House of Representatives Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi stated that, during a meeting with Vice President-elect Mike Pence, she recommended that the appointment be reevaluated. Trump has been meeting with potential candidates for senior positions in his administration at Trump Tower. On Saturday, he is scheduled to meet with Mitt Romney, the Republican nominee in the 2012 presidential election, to potentially discuss his appointment as secretary of state, according to a source familiar with the meeting. This meeting marks a significant shift in their relationship, as Romney had previously criticized Trump and urged Republicans not to support him during the presidential primary. During the campaign, Trump made fun of Romney, stating that he "choked like a dog" in his failed 2012 presidential bid against Barack Obama. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso mentioned that it was advantageous for Prime Minister Abe to meet with Trump before he assumes office due to the significance of Japan-US relations. Abe's advisor, Katsuyuki Kawai, revealed that he had discussions with various Trump advisors and lawmakers in Washington, who reassured him that Trump's public statements should not be taken too literally. Abe has increased Japan's defense spending and worked to expand the country's military role despite limitations imposed by its pacifist constitution. Defense spending in Japan remains just above 1 percent of GDP, while the United States spends over 3 percent. The US is expected to allocate $5.745 billion for its forces in Japan in the current fiscal year. According to Japan's Defense Ministry, expenses related to US troops in Japan totaled approximately 720 billion yen ($6.6 billion) in the previous fiscal year. Some of Trump's campaign rhetoric portrayed Japan as a threat to American jobs and a burden on defense, reflecting a view from the 1980s. However, a Trump adviser recently expressed a more optimistic perspective. "In all honesty, the prime minister has been more forceful and direct in attempting to implement those changes to Japan's global position," he remarked. Abe was scheduled to meet with Obama at a summit in Peru over the weekend. Just before Abe and Trump had their meeting, Obama's secretary of state, John Kerry, and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met in Lima to discuss the Paris climate agreement - a deal that Trump has promised to withdraw from. Some diplomats suggest that without key appointments made by Trump, it will be difficult to evaluate his policies on security issues such as the deployment of US troops overseas, China's assertiveness in maritime matters, and the North Korean nuclear threat.