Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says that he is confident about building trust with the U.S. president-elect Donald Trump. Abe met with Trump in Manhattan on Thursday, seeking clarity on Trump's campaign rhetoric that cast doubt on US alliances.

Abe was the first foreign leader to meet with Trump since his election victory. He called Trump a trustworthy leader, but did not disclose details of their talks. Japan's leadership has appeared nervous about the future strength of an alliance that is core to Tokyo's diplomacy and security policy.

"I do believe that without trust the alliance between our two nations will never function, and as an outcome of today's discussion I am convinced that Mr. Trump is a leader who can be trusted," said Abe.