Amid growing speculation about a possible run for president in 2024, Ron DeSantis decided to take a breath of fresh air. The governor of Florida began Monday an international tour that will take him to three continents as he meets with different world leaders. The first stop will be Japan.
The mission's objective, the governor's office clarified, is to "build on economic relationships Florida has with each country, and the governor will meet with business executives and government leaders to discuss ways in which Florida can expand economic partnerships."
Japan
Accompanied by First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Florida Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella, DeSantis arrived Monday in Tokyo, where he has already met with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
After welcoming their bilateral relations, he encouraged them to continue investing in defense. "We very much applaud your efforts to bolster your defenses. We understand it’s a tough neighborhood out here ... and we really believe that a strong Japan is good for America, and a strong America is good for Japan," The Sunshine State governor said.
Japan is currently the sixth largest foreign investor in Florida. It has more than 200 companies employing approximately 22,000 Floridians. According to the administration's website, "bilateral trade between Florida and Japan exceeds $6.6 billion, making it Florida’s 2nd largest bilateral merchandise trade partner in the Asia-Pacific region and Florida’s 7th largest partner overall."
South Korea
While still in Asia, DeSantis will visit South Korea, where he will meet with Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Merchandise trade between Florida and South Korea exceeded $1.3 billion, making the country Florida's seventh largest bilateral trading partner in the Asia-Middle East region.
We had the privilege of meeting with Prime Minister Kishida to build on discussions we had during the SEUS Japan Conference in Florida this past fall.
We look forward to strengthening the relationship between Japan and Florida. pic.twitter.com/AW1vVyRuQi— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 24, 2023
Israel
Probably one of the most anticipated meetings of the tour is that of DeSantis and Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel. When asked about a possible meeting by CBS, Netanyahu did not hesitate. "Of course, I'll meet with everyone - why not, I'll meet with Republican governors and Democratic governors."
In addition, the governor will deliver the keynote address at an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of Israel's founding and will meet with Israeli businessmen already investing or considering investing in Florida. One of the most interesting companies is INSIGHTEC, which partnered with a consortium of Florida universities to study Alzheimer's disease.
United Kingdom
The last stop of the tour will take the delegation to Europe, more precisely to the United Kingdom. There, they will meet with executives of companies that have major investments in Florida, as well as government leaders, including U.K. Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
Business relations between the two are very good. The United Kingdom is Florida's eighth largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $5.8 billion in 2022, marking a 119% growth over the past five years.
Tourism is also a common currency among them. As highlighted by the DeSantis Administration, in 2022, more than 1.1 million people visited Florida from the United Kingdom, constituting the 2nd largest group of annual international visitors to Florida.
