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Obama stresses "extraordinary alliance" with Japan

21 September 2011 21:48 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. U.S. President Barack Obama laid emphasis on the "extraordinary alliance" with Japan on Wednesday when he met with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, APA reports.

"As all of you are aware we have an extraordinary alliance with Japan," Obama said. "They are one of our closest friend, our closest allies." "The bonds of friendship between our peoples are equally strong,"he added.

Obama had spoken by phone to Noda but this was their first face- to-face meeting since the prime minister took office early this month. He renewed U.S. pledge to do everything it can to make sure the success of Japan’s recovery from the triple disasters of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear leak, saying he knows that the top concern of the prime minister is "rebuilding Japan in the aftermath of the horrific tsunami that occurred."

"At the same time, obviously we have other important work to do together as the two largest economies in the world," he added.

"We have to continue to promote growth to help put our people to work and improve standards of living."

Noda said that he had regarded Japan-U.S. alliance as "key" to Japan’s foreign policy, and his belief "has become even more unwavering" after the disaster.

He expressed concern that the recovering world economy might be "moving back into another recession," noting that his top priority is reconstruction.