Obama, Japan's Liberal Democratic Party President hold phone talks

Japanese Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe and US President Barack Obama have shared their views on strengthening the bilateral alliance during a phone call on Tuesday. Abe is expected to assume the position of Japan's prime minister later this month. At the start of the conversation, Abe expressed his condolences concerning Friday's school shooting in Connecticut, according to Japan's (NHK World) website. Abe said the bilateral alliance is key to Japan's diplomacy and security. He said he wants to fulfill Japan's responsibility in promoting the alliance, which ensures peace and stability in Asia. Abe noted that the region's security environment has become increasingly difficult due to various factors, such as the rise of China. He added that he hopes that Japan and the US will organize a coordinated response to North Korea's recent rocket launch. Referring to Japan's possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks, Abe said he is a free trade promoter if it matches national interests. He said he will decide if Japan will join the talks after closely studying the negotiations now underway. Obama agreed with Abe on the need to strengthen the alliance and said that he wants to broadly collaborate in economic and political areas. The two leaders confirmed that arrangements will be made for Abe's visit to the United States to meet Obama next month.