In his first summit with President George W. Bush held in Hanoi on Nov. 18, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed to strengthen the "Japan-U.S. alliance for Asia and the world" in security and economic relations.
Abe faces the challenge of further improving Japan-U.S. ties following the close relationship that his predecessor Junichiro Koizumi had enjoyed with Bush. Bush told reporters after the summit, "I'm very comfortable with his style. I'm very confident we'll be able to work together for the common good."
Abe made a good diplomatic start, since his top priority was to strengthen the Japan-U.S. security alliance, with the nation facing the threat of North Korean nuclear weapons and missiles. Topping his security agenda are the expansion and acceleration of the missile defense program and the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan.
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