TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday expressed concern over the United States' decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), Jiji Press reported.

"The US has played a crucial role in global health. From Japan's perspective, we do not welcome any move that weakens this role," Ishiba stated during a parliamentary budget committee meeting.

On Jan 20, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office, announcing the country's withdrawal from the WHO.