The White House says President Joe Biden's plans to visit Japan for the G7 summit next week are currently unchanged despite a looming crisis over the US government's debt ceiling.
Biden had suggested he may attend the talks virtually because of the need to avoid a default by June 1, adding that the decision would depend on the state of negotiations.
On Friday(May 12), White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the talks are progressing.
She suggested negotiations will continue over the weekend, adding that Biden will meet congressional leaders including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy again early next week.
Jean-Pierre said the president is expected to leave for Japan on Wednesday. Asked if that means an agreement over the debt ceiling is expected before then, she said, "I'll leave it there."
The G7 summit starts in Hiroshima on May 19.(NHK)
