Japan's Premier to leave for US

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will leave for the United States on Sunday, to discuss with US President Barack Obama security and economic issues. Noda will be in the United States for four days. On security, the two sides are expected to agree to further strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, following a review on plans to realign US forces in Japan, according to Japan's (NHK WORLD) website. On Friday, the two countries announced that the relocation of the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station will be dealt with separately from other issues. The transfer of US Marines out of Japan and the return of some US military facilities in Okinawa will now be promoted ahead of the stalled air base relocation. On the economy, the two leaders are expected to confirm the need to take the initiative in creating new rules on economic cooperation in the Asia Pacific region.