WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today announced that he will travel to Japan and China this month for an official overseas trip with a congressional delegation for meetings on trade and energy issues.

In addition to Sen. Kennedy, the delegation includes other U.S. senators as well as U.S. representatives.

Meetings will be held with high-ranking officials in Japan and China to discuss bilateral trade and energy issues, including nuclear power development.  Sen. Kennedy also will use the trip to promote Louisiana interests such as liquefied natural gas, seafood and rice.

In Japan, the delegation plans to meet with U.S. Ambassador to Japan William F. “Bill” Hagerty, Deputy Chief of Mission-U.S. Embassy Tokyo Joseph Young, Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso, Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.  In China, the delegation plans to meet with U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad, People’s Republic of China President Xi Jinping, Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang, Vice Premier Liu He, Director of the Office of Foreign Affairs Yang Jiechi, Vice Minister of Agriculture Han Jun and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Guo Shengkun.

“This is an important trip that will give us the opportunity to represent U.S. and Louisiana interests to China and Japan at a pivotal time,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “The White House is in the middle of trade negotiations with Japan and discussions with China.  We need fair, bilateral trade agreements that keep costs down for American consumers while creating opportunities for American entrepreneurs.  I plan to renew discussions about what Louisiana can offer as far as LNG and agricultural products.”

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