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US president arrives in Japan for 2-day visit

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-13 15:26

TOKYO: US President Barack Obama arrived Friday in Tokyo, kicking off a two-day visit to Japan.

US President Barack Obama steps out from Air Force One at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo November 13, 2009. [Agencies]

Obama is scheduled to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in a summit meeting later in the day with the strengthening of bilateral alliance, including the relocation of US military base in Okinawa in particular, and support for Afghan reconstruction topping the agenda.

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Also among the main topics for discussion is Japan-US cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region as well as on global issues.

According to local media reports, the two leaders will characterize the Japan-US alliance, which is regarded as the foundation of the two nations' relationship, as the cornerstone of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

They are also expected to agree to closely cooperate to move toward a "low-carbon society" in which business can coexist without harming the environment on a global scale.

Obama and Hatoyama will hold a joint press conference following the summit meeting.

The US president's visit to Japan is his first since assuming office in January.

Japan is the first leg of Obama's four-country Asian tour, which will also take him to Singapore, China and South Korea.