US secretary of state meets Japanese leaders on bilateral ties

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-18-2009 08:49

US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, has met with Japanese Prime Minister, Taro Aso, and other top government officials in Tokyo. The two sides have agreed to "step up the bilateral alliance" to tackle various global issues.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, left,  and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso pose for photo prior to their talks at Aso's official residence in Tokyo, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Toru Yamanaka, Pool)

On her first trip abroad as America's top diplomat, Clinton stressed the US' commitment to Japan's security, the key issue between the two countries.

She hopes to broaden US-Asia relations to include climate change, clean energy and the world's economic woes.

During Tuesday's meeting, the Japanese Prime Minister received support from Clinton on the DPRK nuclear program and abduction issue.

For his part, Prime Minister Aso voiced his support for the US anti-terror policies, saying Japan will contribute to the stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Clinton invited Aso to become the first foreign leader to visit US President Barack Obama.