Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori released a statement early Sunday calling for a closer alliance between Japan and the United States under the administration of newly inaugurated U.S. President George W. Bush.
"(Japan) will work together (with the U.S.) to encourage the world -- not only the Asia-Pacific region -- to keep peace and prosperity through closer dialogues," he said.
He also said, "I would like to meet with President Bush as early as possible to confirm basic standpoints for future development of the Japanese-U.S. relationship."
Foreign Minister Yohei Kono also said in a separate statement, "I hope the new administration under President Bush will display strong leadership."
Emperor chimes in
The Emperor sent a congratulatory telegram early Sunday to newly inaugurated U.S. President George W. Bush, Japanese Imperial Household Agency officials said.