DeSantis mulls trip to Asia: report

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis is reportedly considering visiting Asia at the end of April in addition to confirmed travel plans for Israel.

Major Japanese news source Mainchini reported that DeSantis would hold discussions with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the potential visit.

It would be DeSantis’ first trip to Japan since taking office in 2019.

The governor is reportedly considering traveling to South Korea as well.

Later this month, DeSantis will travel to Israel to deliver the keynote address at a conference in Jerusalem.

According to the announcement, DeSantis will speak to around 400 participants at the Jerusalem Post and Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem “Celebrate the Faces of Israel” event.

The governor will discuss the importance of good relations between the U.S. and Israel, “especially in difficult times.”

The event is held to address tensions in Israel, to teach Israel’s history, and to introduce the audience those who embrace “tolerance and acceptance.”

“A few months after my inauguration for my first term as Governor of Florida, I traveled to Israel for a state visit with the largest ever trade delegation from the Sunshine State to the Jewish State,” DeSantis said.”

“Since that time, we have strengthened the relationship between Florida and Israel through increased investment by Israeli companies in our state, fighting the scourge of BDS, and being home to the fastest growing Jewish population in the United States,” he said.

“At a time of unnecessarily strained relations between Jerusalem and Washington, Florida serves as a bridge between the American and Israeli people.”

In 2019, the year DeSantis became governor, he promised to be the “most pro-Israel governor” in the country. He has long stood firm on the notion that the U.S. embassy in Israel ought to be in Jerusalem, not Tel Aviv, which was accomplished under the Trump administration.