Tue, December 20, 2011
TOKYO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a teleconference with U.S. President Barack Obama to discuss the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), following the death of DPRK leader Kim Jong Il, Japan's top government spokesperson said Tuesday.
According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura, a number of pertinent issues were discussed regarding the passing of Kim, with the emphasis being on maintaining the stability of the Korean Peninsular region.
According to a government statement, both leaders conveyed the importance of maintaining the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the wider region and both leaders agreed that the United States and Japan would monitor events carefully and stay in close touch.
Obama reiterated that the United States remained committed to its special security alliance with Japan during the 15-minute conversation that was held at the request of Japan, Fujimura said.
Noda, for his part, said Japan wishes to hold a high-level three-way meeting with the United States and South Korea "as early as possible."
Fujimura said that further discussions would be needed regarding the stalled six party talks, which involve the DPRK, South Korea, the United States, China, as well as Japan and Russia. "I think we will first consider a plan to hold a high-level meeting among Japan, the U.S. and South Korea," he told reporters.
"I cannot tell when it would take place yet, but I think we will do it as early as possible," the top government spokesperson said.
Fujimura added that no significant movements or changes had been noticed in the region that might affect Japan's national security. "We have not confirmed at this point any unusual movements that would affect our country's national security," he said.
Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Washington on Monday, according to the foreign ministry.
